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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

He was called upon as a substitute to support England close out a famous win against New Zealand, however was unable to score a late penalty and drop-goal while his team fell short by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the manager's confidence through his selection against the All Blacks, plus the club standout delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to their initial victory over New Zealand on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

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 repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 triumph.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, notably George," the manager commented. "In that moment as he scored those drop-goals, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, however his play was outstanding.

"He's an exceptional captain, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are honored to feature him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin with tries by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's back-to-back drop-goals ensured England returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the second half well, as reserves joined, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Although facing a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession while the number 10 who successfully converted three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford added.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points are crucial at any stage of play."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and in finding space against the defensive line.

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

After beginning the national team's triumph over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the starting role to his replacement against Fiji a week later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, play against Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford demonstrated with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left for him.