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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to support the hosts complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team were beaten by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to assist England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and our philosophy the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations the best."

Each effort happened within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford handed over the fly-half position to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead for him.