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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure during the match.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, however failed to convert a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help the hosts to a first win versus the Kiwis in their own stadium ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford successfully executed back-to-back drop-goals right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play remarkably well.

"Twelve months ago I thought George entered and performed really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

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

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect in those moments is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into contention and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a good position.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and appropriately since three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford guided his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and in finding space against the defensive line.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, with Ford regaining his position.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead within him.