England's iconic 2017 World Cup win in their own words. When the T20 World Cup begins on Friday, it will be the first women's World Cup in the UK since England famously won the 50-over title in 2017.

Everyone remembers the iconic final at a sold-out Lord's - one of the most significant days in the history of the women's game. But leading up to it, there was the dropping of legendary captain Charlotte Edwards, a poor opening-day defeat by India, a tense group stage, and a nail-biter of a semi-final against South Africa.

This is the story of England's 2017 World Cup triumph, told by those who were at the centre of it - captain Heather Knight, openers Tammy Beaumont and Lauren Winfield-Hill, and bowler Anya Shrubsole.

Beaumont: "After those two were left out of the squad in 2016, Robbo and Heather pitched it brilliantly. From that moment, it was about the whole squad going on a journey, and that journey was about eventually singing our team song at Lord's."

Knight was named captain a year before the World Cup after coach Mark Robinson moved on from Edwards and experienced batter Lydia Greenway. However, two months before the tournament, Knight broke her foot on a training camp and spent much of the build-up in a protective boot.

Knight: "I remember it clearly, being pretty stressed I wasn't going to be fit or have enough time to prepare."

England conceded 281-3 against India in their tournament opener and were bowled out for 246 in a 35-run defeat. Build-up was also disrupted when Lauren Winfield-Hill was hit on the wrist by New Zealand bowler Lea Tahuhu in their final warm-up match and ruled out of the tournament opener against India.

Knight: "It wasn't a great day. The stewards at Derby wouldn't let us in the ground because we didn't have the right accreditation."

Winfield-Hill: "We were completely caught off guard and shell-shocked in that first game. It almost brought us the wake-up call we needed."

Beaumont: "I also spoke to the sport psychologist about the 'what ifs' that could derail me. Then in the first week, all of my what ifs went wrong."

England scored 259-8 against Australia before Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Jenny Gunn defended 22 from the last two overs to secure a three-run win. After waiting only three days to play again, England found their groove by piling up 377-7 against Pakistan, with Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt hitting centuries.

Knight: "The big one was that game at Bristol when we beat Australia. It was when there was real belief."

Hunter: "You never underestimate how much that feeds into the group when your captain is performing. It was not necessarily the stats but Heather leading with bravery."

With momentum building, victories against New Zealand and West Indies set up a semi-final against South Africa. England were going well at 139-2 in pursuit of 219 until an announcement on the PA system that the final at Lord's had just officially sold out.

Winfield-Hill: "You are just trying to fake it, look all chilled, but inside I remember feeling so sick that the dream could be over."

England battled to 228-7 but India looked destined for glory at 191-3, needing 38 from 44 balls. Up stepped Anya Shrubsole. The seamer took 5-11 in 19 deliveries to finish with 6-46 as India were bowled out for 219. Even when Gunn appeared to have dropped a crucial chance, Shrubsole wrapped up the win next ball to seal jubilant scenes.

Knight: "Anya just had this look in her eye where I didn't need to say anything."

The win confirmed England's place in the final. India joined Knight's side by stunning Australia in the second semi-final two days later. England had five days to prepare for the biggest match of their lives.

Shrubsole: "I love musicals and we were in London, so I went to watch Wicked and The Lion King."

A capacity crowd of about 25,000 attended the final at Lord's - the historic home of cricket where women were not allowed to enter the Long Room as members until 1999. Before the final, there were various ceremonies to celebrate the women's game.

Beaumont: "We had the minute's silence for [legendary former England captain] Rachael Heyhoe Flint, who passed away six months before, and then [former England bowler] Eileen Ash ringing the five-minute bell."

England battled to 228-7 but India were bowled out for 219, giving England victory in the 2017 Women's World Cup.