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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to assist the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I thought George came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford marshalled England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left for him.