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During November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on off the sidelines to help the home side complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a late penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, the player was required to strive to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star achieved a best-player showing to support the hosts to a first win over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench repeatedly excelled in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year In my view George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we understood if we started the latter half effectively, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

The two attempts happened within a two-minute span as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match played in challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually reminding me, and rightly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford guided his team superbly around the field the entire match, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick further confused Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

England, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, meet Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to determine whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.