The English are well known for loving their tea. Just not this cup.
After scoring the second goal in the USWNT’s 2-1 win over England on Tuesday, Alex Morgan celebrated by pretending to drink a cup of tea. The goal proved to be the decisive goal as the US advanced to the final.
Former Lioness Lianne Sanderson wasn’t a fan of Morgan’s mockery.
“I expected Alex to grab a goal but I’m not that happy with that celebration,” Sanderson said on beIN Sports after the game. “You can celebrate how you want, but for me that is a bit distasteful, and I don’t think she needs to do that.”
Sanderson, 31, was a member of the English squad that finished third at the 2015 World Cup. At the club level, she played for Chelsea and Arsenal before moving to her current club, Juventus, in 2018.
“For me, I could be wrong, but it’s based upon playing against England,” Sanderson said. “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.”
The American women previously drew backlash for their celebrations during their opening 13-0 win over Thailand, and were defiant in their response afterward. Morgan struck the same tone on Tuesday.
“This team is special,” Morgan, who turned 30 on Tuesday, tweeted after the game. “Thanks for the bday love. Thanks for the rocking stadium. Thanks for continuing to believe with us. And that’s the tea.”