Conor Gallagher follows in David Beckham’s footsteps at Anfield as unwanted milestone is hit for first time in 19 years

Published on September 17, 2025 at 08:01 PM
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Ex-Chelsea star Conor Gallagher already has his own song at Atletico Madrid as he’s serenaded by packed stadium on debut

CONOR GALLAGHER has followed in David Beckham’s footsteps after starting against Liverpool in the Champions League.

The former midfielder was the only Englishman in either or ‘s starting XIs for the match.

Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak, Clement Lenglet and Conor Gallagher look dejected after Liverpool's Andy Robertson scores their first goal.Conor Gallagher was the only Englishman to start in the match between Atletico Madrid and Liverpool David Beckham in a white Real Madrid uniform looking up in despair after his team was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League.David Beckham had the same experience for Real Madrid against Arsenal in 2006

, 25, lined up at Anfield for Diego Simone’s side after becoming a regular for the LaLiga giants.

But he became a centrepiece for an unwanted milestone for English in the match.

It is the first time in 19 years that a non-English club has provided the only English starter in a game involving an English club.

The last time the situation occurred was in March 2006 when started for Real Madrid against .

The Gunners started that game with stars such as the German goalkeeper , French legend and the Spaniard .

Los Blancos drew the game but lost the tie, having suffered a 1-0 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg.

‘s side did not have a single Englishman in the starting line-up but did boast Andy Robertson from the .

The Scotsman even netted the in the fourth minute of the match.

Liverpool did have a number of Englishmen on the bench ready to perform if called upon.

This included defender , goalkeeper , as well as youngsters Jayden Danns and .

Liverpool icon John Toshack makes rare public appearance amid health fight as he gets hero's welcome at Real Madrid

Match Stats

Their absence meant Liverpool started the match without a single Englishman for the first time in a major European match.

There was space for British record signing Alexander Isak to make his debut for the Reds.

Slot insisted that it was the “plan all along” for the £130MILLION striker to make his first appearance for the club in this fixture.

Liverpool's Alexander Isak reacts during the UEFA Champions League match at Anfield.Alexander Isak made his debut for Liverpool

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