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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the home side complete an historic victory against New Zealand, yet missed a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, 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 during this year's Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier In my view George substituted and competed really well [against New Zealand].

"One kick struck the post and he had 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 in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the optimal approach to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations superiorly."

Both kicks came within a two-minute span while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a league contest occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of competition."

Ford marshalled England excellently across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Following his start in the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his position.

England, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead for him.