England vs USA: Alex Morgan ‘tea drinking’ celebration criticised in Women’s World Cup semi-final

Match-winner's celebration provokes storm in a teacup

The United States goal celebrations caused a stir at the Women’s World Cup once again on Tuesday night as Alex Morgan ‘sipped tea’ after scoring against England.

Morgan’s first-half header proved to be decisive as the reigning world champions beat England 2-1 to progress to Sunday’s final.

The ‘tea’ celebration was interpreted in some quarters as a slight on England, with Lionesses international Lianne Sanderson describing it as “distasteful”.

“I expected Alex to grab a goal but I’m not that happy with that celebration,” she said, while appearing as a pundit on BeIn Sports.

“I’m a big believer in the Americans and how they celebrate, but for me that’s a little disrespectful.

“I could be wrong but it’s based on playing against England. We love our tea in England. I’m not a tea drinker but that’s what we’re connected with, so for me it’s a little bit distasteful.”

Morgan was vague on the meaning behind the celebration when asked, but said it was a response to everything ‘thrown at’ the US during this World Cup.

The US players were criticised for their over-exuberance after celebrating every goal in a record-breaking 13-0 win over Thailand to open their tournament.

Megan Rapinoe, Morgan’s team-mate, attracted the ire of President Donald Trump last week when she preemptively rejected an invitation to visit the White House.

Morgan’s celebration was well-received by 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who tweeted: “Congrats to the #USWNT for earning that tea. On to the final!”