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In November 2024, England fly-half Ford appeared disappointed on the Allianz Stadium turf.

The replacement was brought on from the bench to help the hosts secure an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead failed to convert a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team fell short by two points.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to earn another opportunity to achieve success for England.

His playing time was limited to 25 minutes in the recent Six Nations however a series of excellent displays, notably in the warm-weather tour versus Argentine and American teams while Fin Smith and Marcus Smith had departed for British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

The 32-year-old not only repaid Steve Borthwick's faith in starting him facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to assist the hosts to their initial victory against the All Blacks at home since 2012.

The crucial point occurred as Ford successfully executed two drop-goals in succession just before the break.

This assisted England bounce back from being down 12-0 to trail 12-11 at the break, ahead of the manager's skilled reserves again delivered after halftime to help his side to a comfortable 33-19 win.

"Recognition should be offered to the experienced players within our side, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford came on and played very effectively [versus the All Blacks].

"A kick hit the post while he attempted a pressured drop-kick, but he played really well.

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer plus a better human being. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'part of the strategy'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, building a twelve-point advantage through scores from two key players.

After Lawrence's strong try, the fly-half's successive drop-kicks ensured England entered the changing rooms with renewed energy.

"The tough part at those times is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our strategy and our philosophy the best way to play the game is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into the game and we recognized if we started the second half well, as reserves joined, we would be in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we were positioned near our try line with a yellow card, so we had challenges there as well.

"I think that's what elite competition requires - which team can handle in those circumstances most effectively."

Each effort happened within close succession as Ford who executed three crucial kicks during a victory facing the Argentine team during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete century of caps experience.

Ford hit two drop-kicks for Sale during a Premiership match played in difficult conditions against Bath - it is a skill he has mastered thoroughly.

"It [the drop-goals] is always in the plan," Ford added.

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always reminding me, and appropriately because three points is valuable during any phase of the game."

Ford directed his team superbly around the field the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His characteristic 'spiral bomb' additionally troubled the New Zealand player, who couldn't collect.

Having started England's win against Australia on 1 November, Ford passed on the fly-half position to Fin Smith against Fiji the following week.

But the biggest test on paper this autumn was presented by the experienced New Zealand team, so Ford returned to his position.

The national side, presently maintaining an unbeaten streak of ten, play against Argentina in late November and curiosity remains to learn if the manager opts to Fin Smith or persists with Ford.

Whatever choice occurs, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that ample opportunity of career ahead for him.