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Back in November 2024, England fly-half George Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

He was called upon as a substitute to help the home side secure a memorable triumph against New Zealand, yet was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick as his side lost by a narrow margin.

After those expensive errors, the player was required to strive to secure another chance at delivering glory to the English team.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple excellent displays, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on Lions team responsibilities, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The veteran player fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him against the All Blacks, and the Sharks star delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand at home since 2012.

The pivotal moment in the game Ford converted back-to-back drop-goals just before the break.

This assisted England overcome a 12-0 deficit to narrow the gap to 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered during the final period to help his side to a convincing 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the veteran members on our squad, especially George," Borthwick told. "During that phase where he hit those drop-goals, he controlled the match just incredibly.

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

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, a brilliant player plus a better human being. We are privileged to have him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis began rapidly in the stadium, surging to a twelve-point advantage through scores from Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-goals ensured England bounced into the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times occurs as the display indicates 12-0, we are able to adhere to our guns and our philosophy the optimal approach to play the game is," Ford said.

"We got ourselves back into the game and we knew were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with 15 minutes left, we found ourselves on our own line following a card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I believe this illustrates elite competition requires - who manages best during those situations the best."

Both kicks occurred within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals in a successful match against Argentina at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, displayed his complete 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two drop-goals representing Sale in a league contest conducted in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

"It [the drop-goals] form part of our strategy," Ford stated further.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager since he continually advising me, and appropriately because three points prove important at any stage of competition."

Ford directed his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph against Australia on 1 November, Ford handed over the number 10 jersey to Fin Smith during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his position.

The English team, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, play against Argentina on 23 November creating intrigue to discover whether the coach returns with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of career ahead in him.