England vs USA: Alex Morgan's iconic World Cup celebration that left fans rattled | OneFootball

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·5 October 2022

England vs USA: Alex Morgan's iconic World Cup celebration that left fans rattled

Article image:England vs USA: Alex Morgan's iconic World Cup celebration that left fans rattled

Wembley will host a highly-anticipated showdown between England and the United States on Friday.

It may be billed as a friendly match, but the encounter between the European champions and world champions will be anything but.


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The Lionesses have long been living in the shadow of the US, who are four-time World Cup winners. They have only beaten the Americans twice, with the last victory coming in 2017.

But England are unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman, a winning streak which includes a brilliant victory at Euro 2022.

The players will also be hoping to make amends for a 2-1 defeat at the 2019 World Cup, a match which intensified the rivalry between the two teams.

There was one moment in particular which will still be stuck in the minds of England fans. Alex Morgan’s tea-sipping celebration.

What happened in England vs USA’s World Cup semi-final?

England and the US met in the semi-finals at the 2019 World Cup, with 53,512 fans packing out the Stade de Lyon to witness the spectacle.

The match was entertaining right from the start, with Christen Press scoring a free header in the 10th minute to give the US a 1-0 lead.

Ellen White equalised just nine minutes later for England, who were managed by Phil Neville at the time, before Morgan restored her country’s advantage with a goal in the 31st minute.

Article image:England vs USA: Alex Morgan's iconic World Cup celebration that left fans rattled

The Lionesses came out fighting in the second half, and looked to have equalised again after a low strike from White. But the goal was ruled offside, with England forced to regroup and go again.

They came tantalisingly close to equalising a second time, with Steph Houghton missing a penalty after White was fouled in the box. Their misery intensified after Millie Bright was sent off in the 86th minute.

The sound of the final whistle must have been delightful for the relieved American players, who went on to win their fourth World Cup title with a victory against the Netherlands.

Article image:England vs USA: Alex Morgan's iconic World Cup celebration that left fans rattled

Alex Morgan’s tea-sipping celebration

It wasn’t just the result which left England fans irate. Morgan’s celebration for her country’s second goal also drew criticism.

After heading the ball past England goalkeeper Carly Telford, Morgan wheeled away in celebration, before pausing to drink an imaginary cup of tea.

She put her fingers to her mouth with her pinky out, and tilted her head back as if to take a sip of the hot drink.

Video: Watch Alex Morgan's tea-drinking celebration against England

Piers Morgan called the super striker's celebration "a declaration of war," while former England star Lianne Sanderson told beIN Sports: “I’m not that happy with that celebration.

“That for me is a bit distasteful and I don’t think she needs to do that. For me this was a little bit disrespectful.

“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.”

Alex Morgan later elaborated on her celebration, claiming it wasn’t aimed at her opponents.

“My celebration was actually more, ‘That’s the tea,’ which is telling a story, spreading news,” she said.

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

The 33-year-old, who finished as the NWSL’s top scorer this season, has been ruled out of Friday’s match against England with a knee injury.

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Article image:England vs USA: Alex Morgan's iconic World Cup celebration that left fans rattled

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