Tensions ran high during Panama's final training session before their World Cup match against England, with two players, Cecilio Waterman and Jose Luis Rodriguez, involved in a heated verbal exchange that escalated to a physical shove.
Waterman, a striker, was seen aggressively pushing his teammate Rodriguez before being restrained by other players. The confrontation occurred on the eve of Panama's final group stage match, where they have already been eliminated from the tournament after two defeats. Rodriguez plays for Juárez in Mexico, while Waterman is with Universidad de Concepción in Chile.
It remains unclear what sparked the dispute between the two players. Rodriguez had started in Panama's previous matches against Ghana and Croatia, both of which ended in 1-0 losses. Waterman played in the opener but came off the bench in the second game. Their participation in the upcoming match against England is now uncertain, particularly given their proximity on the field.
Meanwhile, England also faces preparations for the game with a fitness concern. Reece James is battling to prove his fitness for the knockout stage after tweaking a hamstring. Manager Thomas Tuchel had planned to rest James, who had played the full 90 minutes in England's previous games. James believes the issue is minor, but the injury adds to concerns, especially as England has already lost Tino Livramento to a calf problem.
A victory for England against Panama would position them to advance in the tournament, with potential future matches in Atlanta or Toronto depending on other group results.