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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to assist the hosts secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, but instead missed a late penalty and drop-goal while his team were beaten by two points.

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

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago In my view George entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points prove important during any phase of the game."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining within him.