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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon from the bench to help the hosts complete an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead missed a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as England fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot at delivering glory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The veteran player did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players on our squad, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George came on and played very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and what we believe the superior method to compete is," Ford explained.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we ended up on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments most effectively."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and correctly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

Following his start in the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead for him.