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It is a curious feature of England's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their international debut during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Standout Display in Tight Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's most challenging performance of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for England's final score was equally eye-catching, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at fly-half and at both centre positions for Bath this season.

Rapid Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. However, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that the coach might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players paved the way for him to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad regroup to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at fly-half and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were injured.

Team Background and Wider Significance

Where might the team have been against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast England for their inability to inject much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. However, this result marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the squad he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many current members of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the team in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of the substitutes. As the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.