And so to Mexico in 1970 ..................................
The day before the quarter-final against West Germany in Leon, Banks was taken ill with what the locals called 'Montezuma's Revenge', a stomach bug accompanied by cramps and a fever.
Banks passed an initial fitness test but soon relapsed, leaving the devastated Ramsey to draft in Chelsea keeper Peter Bonetti at the 11th hour.
England's number one was confined to his hotel room as Bonetti, an outstanding goalkeeper, suffered an uncertain, nervous performance and Ramsey's side conceded a two-goal lead to lose 3-2.
Banks' sudden illness led to conspiracy theories that the keeper - so vital to an England team that was not popular among locals after uncomplimentary comments by Ramsey about Argentina in the 1966 World Cup - had been deliberately poisoned.
There was never any evidence this was the case and Banks himself refused to subscribe to the suggestion of any sinister interference in England's preparations.