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In November 2024, English number 10 Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to assist the home side close out a memorable triumph against New Zealand, but instead was unable to score a crucial penalty plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short in a close contest.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, the player was required to strive to get another shot to achieve success for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple impressive performances, particularly on the summer matches versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks on home soil ending a drought dating to 2012.

The decisive instant in the game Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench again delivered after halftime to support England to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members within our side, notably George," the manager commented. "That period where he hit those crucial kicks, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

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

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player and an even finer individual. We are honored to have him on our team."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead through scores from two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks resulted in the home side bounced into the locker room with renewed energy.

"The tough part during those periods occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we must maintain to our plan and our convictions the superior method to perform is," Ford stated.

"We got ourselves back into it and we knew if we started the final period strongly, with substitutes entering, we were in a favorable situation.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line with a yellow card, so we had challenges in that instance too.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal during those situations superiorly."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who executed three crucial kicks in a successful match facing the Argentine team in the last global tournament, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-kicks representing Sale during a Premiership match played in tough circumstances at Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

"These attempts are consistently planned," Ford continued.

"Borthwick represents an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and rightly so since three points is valuable during any phase of competition."

Ford guided his side brilliantly throughout the match all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings against the defensive line.

His signature high spiral kick additionally troubled the opposing fullback, who mishandled the ball.

Following his start in the English victory over Australia in early November, Ford passed on the number 10 jersey to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge in terms of difficulty was presented by the multiple World Cup winners, with Ford regaining his starting role.

England, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back for the younger Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament from a World Cup that ample opportunity of rugby left in him.