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This marks a curious aspect of the English team's autumn clean sweep that there were no debutants earned their first cap during the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while securing his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Performance in Hard-Fought Victory

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's most challenging performance of the autumn. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's final score was just as impressive, concluding a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.

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

Rapid Ascent and Future Opportunities

It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. But, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players created the opportunity for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when England reconvene to start their championship campaign in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

Where might England have fared against their opponents without him? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach should have freshened things up.

A balanced view is required, though. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their failure to inject much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is 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 strategy. He seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the difficult beginning that plagued the team in the past.

Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the quality of the substitutes. While the coach plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of this performance.