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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the home side close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to assist the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment 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 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those crucial kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The All Blacks commenced strongly in the stadium, surging to a 12-point lead through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we knew were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

Each effort occurred within two minutes of each other as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and correctly so because three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford directed his team superbly across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

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