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

He was called upon off the sidelines to help the hosts secure a memorable triumph facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team lost by two points.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success to the English team.

He saw just 25 minutes of action during this year's Six Nations however a series of strong showings, particularly on the summer tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust through his selection versus New Zealand, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed in the second half to assist the team to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, notably George," the coach stated. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he directed play absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year In my view George substituted and competed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a drop-goal under pressure, however his play was outstanding.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

New Zealand started quickly in the stadium, building a substantial early margin through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive drop-goals resulted in the home side entered the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we would be in a favorable situation.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we ended up near our try line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents elite competition requires - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort occurred within close succession while the number 10 who nailed three crucial kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford converted two drop-kicks for Sale in a league contest played in challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he is always advising me, and correctly so since three points prove important throughout the match of play."

Ford directed England excellently around the field all game, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who mishandled the ball.

Having started the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

However the greatest challenge on paper this autumn occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, now on a run of 10 straight wins, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to discover if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established ahead of the next tournament before the World Cup that ample opportunity of play remaining in him.