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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts close out a famous win versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, notably in the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

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

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I thought George substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into it and we knew should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Each effort came within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game played in difficult conditions against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of rugby left in him.