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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to help the hosts close out a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, yet failed to convert a late penalty and drop-goal as his side lost in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, notably in the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

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

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, notably George," Borthwick told. "In that moment when he converted those drop-goals, he directed play just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

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

Both kicks occurred within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three drop-goals during a victory against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he consistently advising me, and appropriately since three points are crucial at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.