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It is a curious aspect of England's November perfect record that no new players earned their international debut during the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Victory

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the autumn. He scored the first try before setting up the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's final score was equally impressive, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at both centre positions for Bath this season.

Rapid Rise and Future Opportunities

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. But, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. He was initially selected to an national team previously, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for him to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad regroup to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

Where might the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England showed an natural decline in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach ought to have freshened things up.

A balanced view is required, though. One might be inclined to lambast England for their inability to inject much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. However, this result completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the team he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the torrid beginning that plagued the team in the past.

Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers of the past, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of England's substitutes. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of this performance.