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This marks a curious aspect of England's autumn perfect record that no new players made their first cap during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Performance in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's final score was equally impressive, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the kind of triple threat that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.

Rapid Ascent and Future Opportunities

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. However, the highest praise that can be given to Ojomoh is that Borthwick might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team previously, but had to bide his time until the last game of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin 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.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Squad Context and Wider Implications

Where might England have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, however. It is tempting to criticize England for their inability to bring much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. The team is halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did previously.

Player Pool and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are very few existing players of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the torrid beginning that affected the squad in the past.

Depth charts sound like they are for sailors of the past, but managers swear by them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of the bench. While the coach plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of this performance.