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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, notably in the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to assist the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Both kicks came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead for him.