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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist the hosts close out a famous win against New Zealand, but instead missed a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as England fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches of Argentina and the United States while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the home team to their initial victory against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English recover from 12-0 down to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "In that moment as he scored those drop-kicks, he managed the game remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a drop-goal under pressure, yet he performed excellently.

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even better person. We are privileged to include him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand commenced strongly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-goals meant the hosts entered the halftime break with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford explained.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line with a yellow card, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents Test rugby is - who can deal during those situations the best."

Each effort came within two minutes of each other while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his century of caps experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always reminding me, and appropriately since three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed his side brilliantly around the field all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic tactical bomb additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

The national side, now on a run of ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.