Sometimes it quietly disappears after painful defeats. Sometimes it returns without anyone noticing until the biggest occasion arrives.
For England, that belief has returned at exactly the right time.
After months spent rebuilding under Charlotte Edwards, they stand one victory away from lifting their first major trophy since 2017. Sunday’s T20 World Cup final against Australia is more than another title decider—it is an opportunity to show how far this team has come.
Fresh beginning
Not long ago, England looked a side searching for answers.
A group-stage exit at the previous T20 World Cup was followed by the crushing 16-0 Ashes defeat in Australia, leading to wholesale changes within the setup.
Edwards took charge with the task of restoring confidence rather than rebuilding from scratch.
Many expected sweeping personnel changes, but instead the former England captain chose continuity, placing her faith in a core group that had already experienced disappointment.
That decision is now paying dividends.
England have reached the final with eight consecutive victories, transforming themselves from uncertain contenders into genuine title challengers.
Confidence restored
The turnaround did not happen overnight.
A narrow escape against India in Bristol six weeks ago proved to be a turning point. Freya Kemp’s late hitting rescued England from defeat and sparked a run of performances that has gathered momentum throughout the tournament.
Since then, England have looked increasingly complete.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge has led the batting charts, Heather Knight has rediscovered her best form and Nat Sciver-Brunt has returned strongly after overcoming a calf injury.
Even the fielding, an area that had repeatedly let England down in recent years, has become one of their strengths.
Most importantly, the team appears to be enjoying its cricket again.
Australia remain the benchmark
Despite England’s resurgence, Australia will still begin the final as favourites.
Their record on the biggest stage is unmatched. They have dominated World Cups for more than two decades and continue to thrive under pressure.
History also favours the defending champions.
England have failed to beat Australia in a Women’s World Cup knockout match since 2009, while memories of the Ashes whitewash remain fresh.
Yet neither side believes those results will determine Sunday’s outcome.
Different conditions, different players and a different England side have created the feeling that this final will be decided by current form rather than past achievements.
Edwards’ biggest test
No individual symbolises England’s revival more than Charlotte Edwards.
The former captain helped transform women’s cricket during her playing days but missed out on England’s memorable World Cup triumph in 2017 after being left out of the squad.
Now she returns to Lord’s with another chance to leave her mark, this time from the dressing room rather than the middle.
Victory would represent the perfect start to her coaching era.
A chance to change the story
Regardless of the result, England have already changed the conversation surrounding the team.
After the disappointment of recent years, they have rediscovered confidence, consistency and belief.
But lifting the trophy would complete the transformation.
For the first time in almost a decade, England head into a major final believing they can beat Australia.
On Sunday, they have the opportunity to prove it.
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