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During November 2024, national team playmaker Ford appeared disappointed during the match.

Ford had been summoned from the bench to help the hosts complete an historic victory against New Zealand, but instead missed a decisive kick plus a drop-goal attempt as his side fell short by a narrow margin.

Following those costly misses, Ford had to work hard to secure another chance to achieve success for England.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament yet multiple strong showings, particularly on the summer tour versus Argentine and American teams as Fin Smith and Marcus Smith were absent for Lions tour commitments, reestablished him strongly as a starting option.

At 32 years old fully validated Steve Borthwick's faith by selecting him versus New Zealand, but the Sale Sharks playmaker produced a man-of-the-match display to help the hosts to a first win against the All Blacks on home soil for the first time since 2012.

The pivotal moment came when Ford converted two drop-goals in succession right before half-time.

It helped England bounce back from being down 12-0 to narrow the gap to 12-11 by halftime, prior to the coach's talented substitutes once more performed in the second half to help his side to a convincing 33-19 triumph.

"Credit must be given to the senior players in our team, particularly Ford," Borthwick told. "That period as he scored those crucial kicks, he managed the game just incredibly.

"Last year I believed Ford substituted and competed really well [facing the Kiwis].

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

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete and an even better person. We are privileged to include him within our roster."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

New Zealand began rapidly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a twelve-point advantage with tries by two key players.

Subsequent to Ollie Lawrence's strong try, Ford's consecutive drop-kicks ensured England entered the locker room with psychological advantage.

"The tough part in those moments comes when the board shows twelve to zero, we can stick to our strategy and our convictions the superior method 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, as reserves joined, we would be in a good position.

"Although facing 15 minutes left, we were positioned on our own line after a penalty, so we had challenges during that phase also.

"I believe this illustrates international rugby involves - who can deal in those circumstances superiorly."

Each effort came within close succession while the number 10 who executed three drop-kicks during a victory versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, demonstrated his full international experience.

Ford hit two three-pointers for Sale during a Premiership match conducted in difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he has mastered thoroughly.

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

"Steve is such an outstanding manager that he is always in my ear about it, and rightly so as three points are crucial throughout the match of play."

Ford guided England excellently across the pitch all game, executing intelligent kicks - both in contestable situations and identifying openings in the opposition's territory.

His signature tactical bomb also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who failed to regather.

Having started England's win versus the Wallabies in early November, Ford relinquished the fly-half position to the younger Smith during the Fiji match the following week.

But the biggest test in terms of difficulty came against the experienced New Zealand team, and Ford reclaimed his spot.

The English team, presently maintaining 10 straight wins, play against Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved with two years remaining from a World Cup that there is plenty of career ahead within him.