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By 1970, he was the undisputed world number one - and many fans believe it was only due to his absence from the England side that led to England's elimination against West Germany in the quarter finals.
His most memorable moment came during that tournament in Mexico, when England, then World Champions, faced World Champions-elect Brazil. Jairzinho flew down the right wing and crossed from the by-line. The cross was met by a thumping downward header from Pele. Somehow Banks managed to react quickly enough and dived low to turn the ball up and over the crossbar.
It was a quite magnificent save. Pele's header couldn't have been better - and the Brazilian number ten even shouted 'GOAL!' as he headed the ball, but Banks denied him with the most famous save in World Cup history.
Banks received the praise of his teammates after the save, but not from Bobby Moore, who, as legend has it, told Banks that he "should have held it!"
That moment demonstrated just how good Banks was, but his entire career with England showed Banks as a superbly consistent keeper. In 73 appearances for England, he conceded just 57 goals and kept a remarkable 35 clean sheets. To keep a clean sheet in almost every other match at international level is no mean feat - and testement to one of the world's greatest ever goalkeepers.
Sadly, a car crash in 1972 left Banks bline in his right eye and forced the great man into retirement, but everybody who saw him play will remember just how safe The Banks of England was. A true legend of English football.