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Back in November 2024, English number 10 George Ford looked disheartened at Allianz Stadium.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts close out a famous win facing the Kiwis, yet was unable to score a late penalty along with a drop-kick while his team fell short by two points.

After those expensive errors, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity at delivering glory for the national side.

He played only 25 minutes during this year's Six Nations however a series of impressive performances, particularly on the warm-weather tour against Argentina and the USA while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for British and Irish Lions duty, put him firmly back among starting candidates.

The veteran player not only repaid the coach's trust by selecting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker achieved a best-player showing to help England to their initial victory versus the Kiwis at home ending a drought dating to 2012.

The crucial point in the game Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 at the break, before Borthwick's star-studded bench once more performed after halftime to assist the team to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the veteran members in our team, especially George," the coach stated. "In that moment when he converted those drop-kicks, he directed play just incredibly.

"One year earlier I believed Ford entered and performed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He is a phenomenal leader, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are fortunate to include him within our roster."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis commenced strongly in the stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by Fainga'anuku and Taylor.

Following Ollie Lawrence's impressive score, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks ensured England entered the locker room with the momentum.

"The difficult aspect at those times is, when the scoreboard says 12-0, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our convictions the optimal approach to perform is," Ford said.

"We worked our way back into the game and we understood were we to commence the final period strongly, with the bench coming on, we were in a good position.

"Although facing fifteen minutes to go, we found ourselves near our try line after a penalty, meaning we faced difficulties in that instance too.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - who manages best with those moments most effectively."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three crucial kicks in a successful match versus Argentina in the last global tournament, showed all his 104-cap experience.

Ford successfully executed two three-pointers representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during challenging weather versus Bath - this represents an ability he is well-practised in.

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

"Borthwick represents an incredible coach since he continually advising me, and rightly so because three points is valuable throughout the match of the game."

Ford guided his side brilliantly across the pitch all game, making smart decisions - both in contestable situations and locating gaps against the defensive line.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' further confused Beauden Barrett, who failed to regather.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies on 1 November, Ford handed over the starting role to his replacement for the Fiji victory the following week.

Yet the most significant examination in terms of difficulty was presented by the three-time world champions, and Ford reclaimed his starting role.

The English team, currently enjoying 10 straight wins, face Argentina on 23 November and it will be interesting to learn if Borthwick goes back to Fin Smith or maintains Ford.

Regardless of the selection, Ford established two years away from a World Cup that significant amounts of play remaining in him.