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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the home side close out a famous win against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match all game, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.