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Back in November 2024, English number 10 Ford looked disheartened on the Allianz Stadium turf.

Ford had been summoned as a substitute to help the home side close out a memorable triumph versus the All Blacks, however was unable to score a decisive kick and drop-goal as England lost in a close contest.

Following those costly misses, Ford needed to put in effort to secure another chance to achieve success for the national side.

He saw just 25 minutes of action throughout the Six Nations tournament but a string of impressive performances, notably in 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.

The 32-year-old did more than justify the coach's trust by selecting him against the All Blacks, but the Sale Sharks playmaker delivered a player-of-the-match performance to help England to a breakthrough triumph over New Zealand in their own stadium since 2012.

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

This enabled the English bounce back from being down 12-0 to reduce the margin to 12-11 at the break, prior to the coach's talented substitutes repeatedly excelled after halftime to support England to a comfortable 33-19 victory.

"You have to give credit to the veteran members within our side, particularly Ford," the manager commented. "That period when he converted those drop-goals, he controlled the match absolutely brilliantly.

"Twelve months ago I believed Ford came on and played exceptionally well [against New Zealand].

"A attempt hit the upright and he had a difficult drop-goal, yet he performed excellently.

"He's an exceptional captain, an outstanding athlete plus a better human being. We are honored to include him in our squad."

Drop-kicks 'consistently planned'

The Kiwis commenced strongly at Allianz Stadium, racing into a substantial early margin via touchdowns by Leicester Fainga'anuku and Codie Taylor.

After Lawrence's impressive score, the fly-half's successive three-pointers ensured England returned to the locker room with the momentum.

"The challenging thing in those moments is, when the scoreboard says a twelve-point deficit, we are able to adhere to our plan and what we believe the optimal approach to compete is," Ford stated.

"We fought our way back into it and we knew if we started the latter half effectively, as reserves joined, we were in an advantageous spot.

"Even with fifteen minutes to go, we ended up near our try line after a penalty, thus we encountered obstacles during that phase also.

"I think that's what Test rugby is - who can deal with those moments superiorly."

Each effort happened within a two-minute span as Ford who nailed three drop-goals in a successful match versus Argentina during the 2023 World Cup, displayed his complete international experience.

Ford hit two drop-goals representing Sale during a Premiership match occurring during difficult conditions versus Bath - this represents an ability he has extensively practiced.

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

"Steve is such an incredible coach that he consistently reminding me, and appropriately since three points is valuable throughout the match of competition."

Ford directed England excellently throughout the match the complete contest, executing intelligent kicks - for both attacking and defensive purposes and locating gaps behind the visitors' backfield.

His signature high spiral kick also bamboozled the opposing fullback, who couldn't collect.

Having started the national team's triumph over Australia during the autumn series, Ford relinquished the starting role to the younger Smith for the Fiji victory seven days later.

However the greatest challenge theoretically this season came against the three-time world champions, so Ford returned to his spot.

England, currently enjoying ten consecutive victories, face Argentina this month creating intrigue to determine if Borthwick goes back with the alternative or continues with Ford.

Whichever decision is made, Ford proved ahead of the next tournament prior to global competition that significant amounts of career ahead in him.