USA 2-1 England: Alex Morgan criticised over controversial tea-sipping celebration after scoring winning goal

USA forward Alex Morgan (L) celebrates scoring against England by pretending to sip tea
AFP/Getty Images

USA star Alex Morgan has been criticised for her controversial tea-sipping celebration as she scored against England in the Women’s World Cup semi-final.

The Orlando Pride forward headed home from a Lindsey Hora cross, putting USA 2-1 up against Phil Neville’s Lionesses in their battle for a place in the final stage.

Morgan celebrated by pretending to sip tea before being mobbed by teammates after scoring the USA's second goal. The celebration appeared to be a dig at the Lionesses with a clear nod to British culture.

Alex Morgan of the USA celebrates scoring the side's second goal against England in the semi-final
REUTERS

England fans jumped to express their dismay on Twitter, with one fan describing the celebration as “disrespectful”. Another fan tweeted: "Wow Alex Morgan's celebration was disrespectful and classless. They are getting way too cocky."

But US fans loved the move by Morgan, which came on her 30th birthday. One fan described the celebration as “iconic”, with another saying it was “unreal trolling”.

In Pictures | England vs USA, World Cup | 02/07/2019

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The Americans took the lead inside the first 10 minutes when Christen Press headed home at the far post.

The Lionesses equalised eight minutes later when Ellen White poked home from Beth Mead's cross to score her sixth goal of the tournament.

But an expert header from Morgan put the two-time winners back in front just after the half-hour mark.

VAR then dominated the second half when England had a goal disallowed for offside after White had beaten Naeher in the USA goal.

They then had a penalty awarded eight minutes from time but Steph Houghton was denied by Alyssa Naeher, before Millie Bright was sent off late on as England's World Cup dream came to a heartbreaking end.

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