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

He was called upon off the sidelines to assist England close out an historic victory facing the Kiwis, however failed to convert a decisive kick and drop-goal while his team lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of strong showings, especially during the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA when the Smith players had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

At 32 years old fully validated the coach's trust by selecting him versus New Zealand, plus the club standout produced a man-of-the-match display to help England to a breakthrough triumph versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to help his side to a decisive 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, especially George," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [facing the Kiwis].

"One kick struck the post and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly in the stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's powerful finish, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England returned to the locker room with renewed energy.

"The challenging thing during those periods comes when the board shows a twelve-point deficit, we must maintain to our guns and our philosophy the best way to compete is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew should we begin the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what international rugby involves - who manages best during those situations most effectively."

The two attempts occurred within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a win versus Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford converted two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match conducted in tough circumstances against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Borthwick represents a phenomenal leader that he consistently advising me, and rightly so because three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford directed England excellently across the pitch the complete contest, kicking smartly - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature tactical bomb further confused the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning England's win against Australia during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

But the biggest test theoretically this season occurred versus the three-time world champions, with Ford regaining his spot.

The national side, now on a run of an unbeaten streak of ten, meet Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford established with two years remaining prior to global competition that significant amounts of rugby left within him.