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

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to assist the home side close out an historic victory against New Zealand, however failed to convert a crucial penalty and drop-goal while his team lost by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford had to work hard to get another shot to bring victory to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, especially during the summer tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly among starting candidates.

At 32 years old did more than justify the manager's confidence in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to assist England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford nailed two drop-goals in succession immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered in the second half to support England to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

New Zealand began rapidly in the stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's consecutive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect during those periods occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into contention and we understood if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles there as well.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win against Argentina in the last global tournament, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such a phenomenal leader since he continually advising me, and correctly so since three points prove important during any phase of competition."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, making smart decisions - both to compete and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature 'spiral bomb' further confused the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started the English victory over Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

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

The English team, now on a run of 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead within him.