County Durham-born England captain Steph Houghton slammed United States footballer Lindsey Horan following their World Cup semi-final defeat.
The Lionesses lost 2-1 to the defending champions in Lyon on Tuesday, with Alex Morgan scoring the winning goal in the first half after Ellen White equalised with her sixth goal of the tournament.
England had a glorious opportunity to level the scores in the latter stages of the second half when they were awarded a penalty but Houghton's tame effort was saved.
The experienced defender, from South Hetton, said she was confident prior to taking the penalty, as some questioned why White did not step up.
"I was confident. The goalkeeper coach told us I was on them today, and I felt confident enough to take it," she told TalkSport.
"I've been taking them in training every single day, and I believed in my technique. But today I just got it wrong, and let my team down.
"But at the same time I can be proud of my team and how we fought and tried to get back into the game."
Houghton was then left angry as her interview was interrupted by the celebrations of Horan, who provided the assist for Morgan's goal, accusing the United States star of disrespect.
"Well there was no need for that, ridiculous. It's disrespectful man. Can I go now please?"
Houghton did not return to the mixed zone after the incident and it was the second occasion of the evening that left England irritated, as Morgan was slammed for her tea-drinking celebration in the first half.
