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This marks a curious aspect of the English team's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants earned their first cap during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's display against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's least convincing performance of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

It is just eight days since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick may have to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team previously, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players paved the way for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when England reconvene to begin their Six Nations quest in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play fly-half and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when teammates were injured.

Team Context and Wider Significance

Where might England have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, however. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their failure to inject much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. However, this outcome marks a clean sweep of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few current members of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the squad in the past.

Player rankings seem like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of the substitutes. While the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.