English FA apology for tweet about Women's World Cup team

LONDON (AP) The English Football Association apologized for a tweet it subsequently deleted about its Women's World Cup team which prompted criticism across social media on Monday.

After England returned from its third-place finish in Canada, the FA wrote on Twitter on Monday: ''Our Lionesses go back to being mothers, partners and daughters today, but they have taken on another title - heroes.''

It linked to a story which was later amended to only say that England ''returned home as heroes.'' The FA said the story was attempting to reflect the personal stories of players.

''Sorry if I caused offence,'' FA content editor James Callow tweeted. ''The piece is intended to sum up a nice moment when players are reunited with their families.

''I reject any accusation of sexism and human interest is a big part of any sport reporting. I'd have done the same for England men, absolutely.''