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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to support England close out a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a first win over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him on our team."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into it and we understood should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

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

Both kicks happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an incredible coach since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to discover if the manager opts for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.