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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the hosts complete a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

"One kick struck the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and rightly so because three points prove important during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.