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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon off the sidelines to support the hosts secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a crucial penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to bring victory for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Twelve months ago In my view George came on and played really well [facing the Kiwis].

"A attempt hit the upright while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals resulted in the home side returned to the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the best way to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into it and we understood should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who can deal in those circumstances the best."

The two attempts occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale in a Prem game played in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and appropriately since three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the entire match, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph against Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if the manager opts for the younger Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.