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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the home side secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within close succession as Ford who executed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers for Sale in a league contest occurring during tough circumstances at Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and correctly so because three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead within him.