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It is a curious aspect of England's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their first cap throughout the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while securing his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's most challenging performance of the November series. He scored the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's final score was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the sort of triple threat that every manager would want from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at fly-half and at both centre positions for Bath this campaign.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. However, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when England reconvene to start their championship quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Squad Background and Broader Implications

Where might England have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their best player. England experienced an natural decline in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to criticize England for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. But, this outcome completes a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since recent years. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and things look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the squad he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few current members of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, preventing the difficult start that plagued the squad in the past.

Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of England's substitutes. While Borthwick plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of this performance.