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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to help England close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as his side were beaten by two points.

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

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year In my view George came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford continued.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

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

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia on 1 November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji a week later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead in him.