Page "Gordon Banks" Paragraph 28

Banks did not play in England's first game after the World Cup, with Ramsey electing to give his old understudy Shilton a debut against East Germany at Wembley.

This would be a sign of things to come, but not for a little while.

Banks would play in ten of the next 12 internationals as England tried to qualify for the 1972 European Championships but lost yet again to West Germany prior to the finals stage.

During this period, Banks was also involved in a notorious incident with Manchester United's George Best who, while playing against England for Northern Ireland, flicked the ball out of Banks ' hands and headed it into the net as the protesting goalkeeper chased him.

The goal was disallowed for ungentlemanly conduct and England won 1 – 0, but Banks was left feeling rather embarrassed.