Who was Liverpool F.C's first-ever foreign player?
1897 FIRST INTERNATIONAL PLAYER
In March 1897 Frank Becton became the first Liverpool player to play in an international after he was selected to play for England against Wales.
Becton had signed for Liverpool from Preston North End for £100 two years earlier after they refused his request for a pay rise. He made his debut on 25th March 1895, scoring in a 3-2 defeat by Sunderland. The following season he scored 18 goals in 24 appearances as they were promoted back to the 1st Division.
On 29th March 1897, Becton was selected to play for England against Wales in the British Championship at Sheffield United's Bramall Lane ground, making him the first Liverpool player to appear for his country. In front of a crowd of 5,000 England won the game 4-0 although it would be the last time Becton appeared for them.
Becton left Liverpool in October 1898, joining Sheffield United and he later played for Preston again and then Swindon Town. Sadly he died in 1909 of tuberculosis aged just 36.
Extract taken from the book '100 Facts - Liverpool' by Steve Horton
Image: Frank Becton