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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts complete a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as England fell short in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

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

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

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

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best in those circumstances most effectively."

Both kicks happened within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances against Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and rightly so as three points is valuable during any phase of play."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.