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

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help England close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to bring victory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to a first win versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago I thought George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

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

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our convictions the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts came within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately because three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.