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In November 2024, national team playmaker Ford cut a dejected figure on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned off the sidelines to assist England close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, however failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as England were beaten by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament however a series of impressive performances, especially during the summer matches against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout achieved a best-player showing to help the home team to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford successfully executed consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 by halftime, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves repeatedly excelled during the final period to assist the team to a convincing 33-19 win.

"You have to give credit to the senior players within our side, notably George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played really well [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead with tries by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers ensured England bounced into the halftime break with renewed energy.

"The difficult aspect in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our plan and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we recognized should we begin the final period strongly, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line following a card, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances superiorly."

The two attempts came within close succession as Ford who successfully converted three drop-goals in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks representing Sale in a Prem game occurring during difficult conditions against Bath - this demonstrates a talent he is well-practised in.

"These attempts form part of our strategy," Ford added.

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader that he is always reminding me, and correctly so because three points are crucial at any stage of the game."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - both to compete and identifying openings behind the visitors' backfield.

His trademark tactical bomb also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith against Fiji seven days later.

Yet the most significant examination theoretically this season was presented by the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his starting role.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina in late November creating intrigue to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead within him.