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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist England complete a famous win against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to get another shot to bring victory for England.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star produced a man-of-the-match display to support the hosts to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil since 2012.

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

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

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

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back three-pointers ensured England entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The tough part in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the second half well, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks occurred within two minutes of each other as the fly-half who nailed three crucial kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather against Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always in my ear about it, and appropriately as three points is valuable at any stage of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month and curiosity remains to discover whether the coach returns to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford demonstrated two years away prior to global competition that there is plenty of play remaining in him.