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This marks a curious aspect of England's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their international debut throughout the recent campaign, something not seen in a quarter of a century. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against the Argentine side while securing his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Display in Tight Victory

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's least convincing outing 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 champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally impressive, concluding a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the kind of triple threat that all coaches desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.

Quick Rise and Future Prospects

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that Borthwick might need to think again. He was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the last game of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a third cap when the squad reconvene to begin their championship quest in the coming months.

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

Squad Background and Wider Implications

How would England have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach should have freshened things up.

Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to lambast the side for their inability to bring much urgency into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. However, this result marks a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the squad he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the torrid start that affected the squad in the past.

Depth charts seem like they belong to sailors of the past, but managers swear by them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the quality of the substitutes. While Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of this performance.