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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to support the home side secure a famous win versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as his side were beaten by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players had departed for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 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 decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest played in tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford continued.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and correctly so since three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to his replacement during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.