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During November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to assist the hosts complete a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead missed a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to get another shot at delivering glory for the national side.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, especially during the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, returned him solidly among starting candidates.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the coach's trust in starting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to support the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks at home for the first time since 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks just before the break.

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the senior players on our squad, notably George," the manager commented. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed very effectively [facing the Kiwis].

"A kick hit the post and he tried a difficult drop-goal, but he played really well.

"He's a tremendous guide, an outstanding athlete and an even finer individual. We are honored to feature him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis began rapidly during the match, building a 12-point lead with tries by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive three-pointers meant the hosts returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our convictions the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into the game and we knew if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we were in a favorable situation.

"Despite having 15 minutes left, we ended up defending our goal line after a penalty, so we had challenges in that instance too.

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

The two attempts occurred within close succession as the fly-half who successfully converted three drop-goals during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, showed all his international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals with Sale in a league contest played in difficult conditions at Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such a phenomenal leader since he continually reminding me, and correctly so since three points are crucial during any phase of competition."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch all game, kicking smartly - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled Beauden Barrett, who couldn't collect.

After beginning the English victory versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji seven days later.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty occurred versus the multiple World Cup winners, so Ford returned to his position.

The English team, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November and curiosity remains to determine whether the coach returns for the younger Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining prior to global competition that there is plenty of career ahead within him.