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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to support the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt as his side were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to assist the home team to a first win versus the Kiwis at home since 2012.

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

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves once more performed during the final period to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players within our side, especially George," the manager commented. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier In my view George came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis started quickly during the match, racing into a substantial early margin through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side returned to the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says twelve to zero, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we ended up on our own line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties there as well.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations the best."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always advising me, and correctly so as three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided England excellently throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The national side, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, meet Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that significant amounts of play remaining for him.