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Back in November 2024, England fly-half Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to assist the hosts secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, yet was unable to score a crucial penalty and drop-goal as England fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations but a string of excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for Lions team responsibilities, returned him solidly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to support England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes again delivered in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-kicks, he controlled the match remarkably well.

"Last year I thought George came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a superb performer and an even better person. We are privileged to feature him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The All Blacks commenced strongly during the match, building a 12-point lead through scores from Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks resulted in the home side entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing at those times comes when the board shows 12-0, we must maintain to our strategy and what we believe the superior method to play the game is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized were we to commence the second half well, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we were positioned near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles in that instance too.

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

The two attempts came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, demonstrated his full century of caps experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale during a Premiership match conducted in challenging weather at Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks are consistently planned," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach that he is always advising me, and correctly so since three points prove important at any stage of play."

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

His signature tactical bomb further confused the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or persists with Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining for him.