Ecclestone had previously revealed that she nearly walked away from the game following a challenging Ashes tour. However, she returned strongly and finished as the third-highest wicket-taker at the ICC Women\u2019s Cricket World Cup 2025, reaffirming her importance to the England setup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on her turnaround, Edwards said on the ESPNcricinfo Powerplay podcast: \u201cI think it was important that Sophie took that break last year because it had been a tough few months. What we\u2019re seeing now is someone who\u2019s eager to wear that England shirt.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former England captain also highlighted Ecclestone\u2019s desire to contribute beyond her primary role with the ball.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cShe\u2019s definitely doing a lot more with the bat, which I\u2019m sure she\u2019ll love me saying,\u201d Edwards added. \u201cShe wants to be an all-rounder for the team. But the most important thing is that Sophie is playing with a smile on her face. If she\u2019s happy, we\u2019re in a good place.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With England set to host the tournament, Edwards underlined the significance of playing a home World Cup, drawing on her own experience of leading the side to the title in 2009.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a home World Cup, and I\u2019ve told the players this happens once in your career. You can really see that the players understand this is something very special that everyone wants to experience,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Although England are aiming to end their ICC title drought since 2017, Edwards said the team\u2019s immediate focus remains on progressing through the group stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn terms of who we see as a threat, we need to focus on our group. If you look too far ahead, the most important thing is getting out of the group and performing well.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Although England are aiming to end their ICC title drought since 2017, Edwards said the team\u2019s immediate focus remains on progressing through the group stage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hosts England have been placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Ireland, West Indies, and Scotland. They will begin their campaign against Sri Lanka on June 12 at Edgbaston. <\/p>\r\n\r\n