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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to support England complete a famous win versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score 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 earn another opportunity to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States when the Smith players were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the senior players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-kicks, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

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

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly at Allianz Stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations superiorly."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

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

"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 correctly so because three points prove important at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently around the field all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining in him.