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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford cut a dejected figure at Allianz Stadium.

The replacement was brought on as a substitute to help the hosts secure a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, but instead was unable to score a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt while his team were beaten by a narrow margin.

In the wake of those pivotal failures, Ford had to work hard to get another shot at delivering glory for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action in the recent Six Nations but a string of impressive performances, particularly on the summer tour of Argentina and the United States as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were away on British and Irish Lions duty, reestablished him strongly in the starting mix.

At 32 years old did more than justify Steve Borthwick's faith through his selection facing the Kiwis, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a breakthrough triumph against the All Blacks in their own stadium since 2012.

The decisive instant came when Ford nailed back-to-back drop-goals immediately preceding halftime.

This assisted England recover from 12-0 down to trail 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to help his side to a decisive 33-19 win.

"Credit must be given to the experienced players on our squad, particularly Ford," the coach stated. "That period where he hit those drop-goals, he directed play remarkably well.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, a superb performer and an even finer individual. We are fortunate to have him in our squad."

Drop-goals 'always in the plan'

The Kiwis started quickly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a 12-point lead via touchdowns by two key players.

Following Ollie Lawrence's powerful finish, Ford's back-to-back drop-kicks meant the hosts returned to the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The challenging thing in those moments occurs as the display indicates twelve to zero, we can stick to our guns and what we believe the superior method to perform is," Ford said.

"We fought our way back into contention and we recognized should we begin the latter half effectively, with the bench coming on, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Despite having a quarter-hour remaining, we were positioned on our own line following a card, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - which team can handle during those situations most effectively."

Each effort came within a two-minute span as Ford who successfully converted three drop-kicks in a win versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers with Sale in a Prem game conducted in challenging weather against Bath - it is a skill he is well-practised in.

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

"The coach is such an outstanding manager since he continually in my ear about it, and appropriately since three points is valuable throughout the match of play."

Ford marshalled his team superbly throughout the match the entire match, kicking smartly - both to compete and locating gaps in the opposition's territory.

His trademark high spiral kick also bamboozled the New Zealand player, who mishandled the ball.

After beginning the national team's triumph versus the Wallabies during the autumn series, Ford passed on the fly-half position to his replacement for the Fiji victory a week later.

Yet the most significant examination on paper this autumn occurred versus the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, presently maintaining ten consecutive victories, face Argentina in late November creating intrigue to determine if the manager opts with the alternative or maintains Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining before the World Cup that significant amounts of career ahead in him.