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

He was called upon as a substitute to support the hosts close out an historic victory versus the All Blacks, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick along with a drop-kick as his side 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.

He played only 25 minutes throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, especially during the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams when the Smith players were away on Lions tour commitments, put him firmly back as a starting option.

The 32-year-old not only repaid the manager's confidence by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant occurred as Ford converted consecutive drop-kicks right before half-time.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 when the half ended, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed during the final period to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players in our team, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "During that phase as he scored those drop-goals, he managed the game absolutely brilliantly.

"Last year I believed Ford entered and performed really well [versus the All Blacks].

"A attempt hit the upright and he tried a pressured drop-kick, yet he performed excellently.

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

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The All Blacks started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks meant the hosts bounced into the changing rooms with psychological advantage.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we can stick to our guns and our philosophy the superior method to perform is," Ford explained.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized were we to commence the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we found ourselves in a good position.

"Even with a quarter-hour remaining, we found ourselves defending our goal line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties during that phase also.

"In my opinion that represents international rugby involves - who manages best in those circumstances superiorly."

Both kicks happened within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-goals during a victory versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford converted two drop-goals with Sale in a Prem game occurring during challenging weather at Bath - this demonstrates a talent he has mastered thoroughly.

"The drop-kicks is always in the plan," Ford stated further.

"The coach is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and appropriately as three points are crucial throughout the match of the game."

Ford directed England excellently around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and in finding space in the opposition's territory.

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

Having started England's win over Australia during the autumn series, Ford handed over the fly-half position to his replacement during the Fiji match a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn came against the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

England, currently enjoying an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to determine if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved two years away prior to global competition that ample opportunity of play remaining within him.