Friendlies remained his business, mainly in times when neither Maier nor Kleff were on show for Helmut Schön. His decision to stay on with his club after relegation in 1973 ruined Franke's hopes of getting a spot in the 1974 FIFA World Cup winning squad of West Germany.
Friendlies remained his focus, particularly during periods when Maier or Kleff were unavailable for Helmut Schön's team. His decision to remain at his club after relegation in 1973 dashed Franke's hopes of securing a place on the 1974 FIFA World Cup winning squad for West Germany.