Gordon Banks

Gordon Banks, OBE (born Sheffield, England, 30th December, 1937) is a former English footballer, considered by many to be the best goalkeeper to have played the game.

1966 & All That

By 1965, Banks was undisputably the first choice England goalkeeper. He was settling into the form of his life which would last for the next seven years; agile and alert, he was frequently seen making amazing reflex saves and possessed flawless positional sense and reading of attackers' movements and instincts.

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His place in the starting line-up was secure as the World Cup approached; that said, one of his most famous stories tells of how he casually said "See you Alf!" to his England boss after one get-together ended, only for Ramsey to reply "Will you?"

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When the World Cup began, Banks was in goal as England got through their group containing Uruguay, Mexico and France, drawing 0-0 with the former and clinching 2-0 victories over the latter. Banks wasn't greatly tested, but it was hugely encouraging that he emerged from the group with three clean sheets from three games, a trend which continued when England beat a thuggish Argentina side 1-0 in the last eight, with Geoff Hurst scoring.

Related Topics:
Uruguay - Mexico - France - Argentina - Geoff Hurst

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Charlton scored twice in the semi final against Portugal before a late penalty was conceded by Jack Charlton, and Banks was finally beaten when Eusebio put away the spot kick. That said, England won 2-1 and were in the final, where West Germany awaited.

Related Topics:
Portugal - Jack Charlton - Eusebio - West Germany

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It was England who dominated the final but it was Banks who was beaten first. A weak header from Ray Wilson handed a chance to Helmut Haller whose shot wasn't fierce but was on target and needed dealing with. Banks thought Jack Charlton was going to clear; Charlton in turn thought Banks had it covered. Neither went for it as a result, and the ball crept in the corner. England equalised through Hurst within six minutes and went ahead late in the second half through Martin Peters.

Related Topics:
Ray Wilson - Helmut Haller - Martin Peters

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Banks had little to do during the second half but his known powers of concentration were required when Jack Charlton gave away a dubious free kick 30 yards from goal. Banks duly organised a defensive wall and got into position. Lothar Emmerich slammed the ball into the wall, the ball richocheted across goal and Banks was struggling to follow it across his six yard box, such was the speed and unpredictability of its movement as it took deflections and swipes. Ultimately, German defender Wolfgang Weber reached it at the far post and swept it into the net with Banks diving in vain to get his palms to the ball. The final whistle went seconds later.

Related Topics:
Lothar Emmerich - Wolfgang Weber

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England won 4-2 in extra time with Banks not troubled again. He had 33 caps and was a world champion. But his career at club level was shortly to take an interesting and unexpected turn.

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