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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon from the bench to support England secure an historic victory versus the All Blacks, yet failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team were beaten in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations yet multiple strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the manager's confidence through his selection versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to support England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

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

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even better person. We are fortunate to feature him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England bounced into the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing during those periods is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into contention and we recognized if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

Each effort came within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game conducted in tough circumstances versus Bath - it is a skill he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually reminding me, and correctly so since three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford marshalled his side brilliantly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty came against the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his spot.

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and it will be interesting to learn if the manager opts with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining within him.