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

He was called upon as a substitute to help the home side secure a famous win against New Zealand, yet missed a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team lost by two points.

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

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, building a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew should we begin the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks for Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and rightly so as three points is valuable at any stage of the game."

Ford marshalled his team superbly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb further confused Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

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