England were once again the only British football nation that took part in the 1970 world cup finals, they still had the core of the side that won the world cup in 1966. Exciting new players were also introduced into the team, including, Terry Cooper, Alan Mullery and Francis Lee. Many believed England’s squad was better than four years ago. They met Brazil in their opening match which proved to be a classic. Gordon banks arguably made the greatest save of all time with a breathtaking one handed save in the first half. Brazil scored a great goal in the second period when Tostao swept past three defenders and passed to Pele who pushed the ball on for Jarzinho to score. Despite losing the match 1-0, England qualified for the quarter finals and were unfortunate to lose 3-2 against a brilliant West German team in the quarter finals. In qualifying for the 1972 European football championships, England played expectantly well, with five wins and a draw. They were then selected to play West Germany in a two legged match. England lost the first leg 3-1 at Wembley and Alf Ramsey’s men were heavily criticized. The following match at Germany produced a goal less draw and England were out of the competition. After the tournament there was worse to come for England, as they lost 1-0 to Northern Ireland. England had now lost two consecutive matches at Wembley and changes in the side were demanded. England improved over the following year including a 5-0 hammering of Scotland in Bobby Moore’s 100th appearance for his nation. England went into the 1974 world cup qualifying campaign with full of hope in qualifying, they stumbled half way through, and England had to beat Poland at Wembley to ensure qualification to the finals. Despite a 90 minute onslaught by England in front of a packed crowd at Wembley they could not score the winning goal, the Polish goalkeeper, Tomaszewski, made many spectacular saves and England hit all ends of the woodwork by the end of the match, chance after chance went begging for England. England drew the match 1-1 and failed to qualify for the 1974 world cup finals. Six months after England’s disappointment in failing to qualify for the 74 world cup finals, the FA decided to Part Company with Alf Ramsey, he left the job on April 21st 1974 and Joe Mercer replaced Alf Ramsey as manager. Joe Mercer’s spell as England manager only lasted seven matches and he was replaced by Don Revie.