USA star explains controversial ‘cup of tea’ goal celebration in World Cup victory over England

USA star Alex Morgan insists her controversial goal celebration against England was a response to the critics.

Morgan scored her side's second goal in the Women's World Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.

The 30-year-old ran over to the sidelines after scoring the winning header before stopping to sip an imaginary cup of tea.

Morgan's celebration appeared a dig at the British culture but she offered her own explanation following the victory for the World Cup favourites.

“I wanted to keep it interesting,” she said.

"I know Megan Rapinoe has the best celebration. I had to try and step up this game.

“I feel like this team has had so much thrown at them and us.

"I feel like we didn’t take an easy route through this tournament and ‘that’s the tea.”

Juventus star Lianne Sanderson wasn't convinced though and branded the celebration "distasteful".

“I think tonight I expected Alex to grab a goal, but I’m not that happy with that celebration," she said.

“I could be wrong but it’s based upon playing against England and we love our tea in England.

"I’m not a tea drinker but that’s what we’re connected with so I think it’s a little bit distasteful.”

England striker Ellen White had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR before skipper Steph Houghton had a late penalty save.

And Morgan admits the Lionesses were unlucky to come short as the US prepare for their final with Holland or Sweden.

“I felt like England had a great game,” Morgan said. “They were unlucky. It came up huge for us with the penalty save.”