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

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to assist the home side secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks happened within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and rightly so because three points prove important throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.