Panama training – Cecilio Waterman and Jose Luis Rodriguez were filmed arguing during Panama’s pre-England training session, before Waterman shoved Rodriguez and had to be held back by teammates. England, preparing for a New York clash, also face concerns over Reece James’ hams
Tensions spilled onto the training pitch in Panama’s camp on the eve of their World Cup clash with England, and it started with words before turning physical.
Cecilio Waterman and Jose Luis Rodriguez were filmed in a heated exchange during a pre-England session. The confrontation escalated when Waterman aggressively shoved Rodriguez. Teammates stepped in quickly to hold Waterman back and prevent him from pursuing further contact.
Waterman, a striker who plays for Universidad de Concepción in Chile, did not just lash out and move on. After the shove, he pointed his finger at Rodriguez, then paced and looked visibly agitated. He rubbed his face repeatedly with his hand, nudged a ball away in frustration, and showed no sign of settling.
Rodriguez, 28, plays for Juárez in the Mexican top flight. He appeared to be looking for no further escalation, with his body language not suggesting he wanted to continue the confrontation.
How the argument began remains unclear, but the timing adds pressure. England are aiming to top Group L on Saturday. Panama, meanwhile, have already been eliminated after two defeats.
The lineup situations around both players have already been defined by their early tournament roles. Rodriguez has started both 1-0 losses to Ghana and Croatia. Waterman was only given the nod in the opener. then was dropped for the second game and came off the bench as a substitute up front 76 minutes in.
With England and Panama set to share the same competitive space on Saturday night, it’s an immediate question whether Waterman and Rodriguez feature — especially as they could end up in close proximity on the pitch.
England’s preparations have not been straightforward either, with a fitness worry hanging over their right side. Reece James is fighting to prove his fitness for the Three Lions’ probable last-32 knockout game after tweaking a hamstring.
Tuchel had planned to rest James in New Jersey after he played 90 minutes in both the win over Croatia and the goalless draw with Ghana. But the right back missed training with the team at their base in Kansas City on Friday before England flew out to the east coast.
James believes the hamstring issue will not become a major problem for the remainder of the tournament. but Tuchel will still be concerned. The 26-year-old missed six weeks near the end of the Premier League season with another hamstring issue. and England have limited options behind him at specialist right back.
Jarell Quansah and Djed Spence are among those who can deputise if needed, with England already having lost Tino Livramento to a calf problem.
The weekend’s scheduling also matters. A win over Panama would take England to Atlanta on Wednesday. They would play in Toronto on Thursday if either Croatia or Ghana leapfrog them ahead of the next phase.
MISRYOUM Sports World Cup 2026 Panama vs England Cecilio Waterman Jose Luis Rodriguez Reece James Thomas Tuchel Group L Ghana Croatia Juárez Universidad de Concepción Jarell Quansah Djed Spence Tino Livramento