The Panama national football team's training session in Whippany, New Jersey, on Friday was marked by a brief physical altercation between striker Cecilio Waterman and midfielder José Luis Rodríguez.
Video footage showed Waterman shoving Rodríguez in the chest before teammates intervened to separate the two players.
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The incident occurred as the Central American side prepared for their final World Cup Group L match against England at MetLife Stadium.
Panama has already been eliminated from the tournament after losing 1-0 to both Ghana and Croatia.
England, led by Thomas Tuchel, aims to secure top spot in the group.
Coach's Perspective
Head coach Tommy Christiansen downplayed the scuffle during a pre-match news conference, describing it as a normal occurrence in competitive training.
"I would have liked to see it more often, it means the team is alive, they are willing to do a good effort and being in the squad fighting for the first XI," Christiansen said.
He added that such confrontations reflect the squad's competitive spirit and are a positive sign.
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Christiansen also mentioned his past as a teammate of former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola at Barcelona's B team, first team, and the Spanish national team.
However, he clarified that he did not consult Guardiola about England's players, relying instead on his own observations from the Premier League and Champions League.
"I have seen them in the games they have in the Premier League or Champions League. I have enough info about these players," he said.
Looking ahead to the match, Christiansen acknowledged the challenge against the European heavyweights, who defeated Panama 6-0 in the 2018 World Cup.
"It is probably the toughest opponent in the group. Our goal is to compete," he said.
He highlighted England's set-piece prowess, particularly Declan Rice's delivery, and stressed the need for defensive focus.
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"Being aware of those strengths and those plans they have, we will really have to remain focused," Christiansen concluded.
