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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 help England secure a famous win against New Zealand, but instead missed a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

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

"Last year In my view George entered and performed exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

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

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

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations most effectively."

Each effort occurred within a two-minute span while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a win facing the Argentine team at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he consistently in my ear about it, and correctly so as three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly across the pitch the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the English victory against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to his replacement against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina this month and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.