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

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist England close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed really well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - which team can handle with those moments the best."

The two attempts came within close succession as Ford who executed three drop-goals 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 difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his spot.

The English team, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.