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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the hosts complete an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, notably in the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly as a starting option.

At 32 years old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the home team to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, notably George," Borthwick told. "During that phase when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

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

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive three-pointers meant the hosts bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

The two attempts happened within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match occurring during tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts is always in the plan," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, making smart decisions - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.