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

He was called upon as a substitute to help the hosts secure a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England were beaten by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to support England to a convincing 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a win against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks with Sale in a Prem game played in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and correctly so since three points are crucial during any phase of play."

Ford guided his team superbly across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead within him.