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Banks conceded just one goal en route to the 1966 final. Allsport Hulton/Archive |
One of the greatest goalkeepers ever, Banks was at the height of his powers in 1966. Along with Bobby Moore in defense and Bobby Charlton in midfield, Banks formed the spine of the England team that swept to victory, conceding just one goal -- a Eusebio penalty in the semifinals -- en route to the final where the host beat West Germany 4-2.
Four years later Banks distinguished himself yet again with one of the most famous saves in soccer history, somehow managing to scramble across his goal and flick Pele's seemingly perfect header over the bar. But Banks couldn't prevent a 1-0 defeat against Brazil, and his late injury-forced withdrawal from England's quarterfinal with West Germany arguably cost the defending champion its title, as the Germans battled back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
