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Back in November 2024, national team playmaker Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the hosts secure a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal as his side fell short in a close contest.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, particularly on the summer matches against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to their initial victory over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he managed the game remarkably well.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"One kick struck the post and he had a drop-goal under pressure, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him on our team."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, building a twelve-point advantage with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the changing rooms with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates a twelve-point deficit, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves 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 superiorly."

Each effort happened within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who executed three drop-kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and rightly so since three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford guided England excellently around the field the entire match, making smart decisions - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning England's win over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.