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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the home side complete a famous win facing the Kiwis, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team were beaten in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the home team to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, surging to a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-kicks in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford handed over the starting role to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

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