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It is a curious aspect of the English team's November perfect record that no new players earned their international debut throughout the recent campaign, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.

Standout Display in Tight Victory

He proved to be the key player in what was the team's least convincing performance of the autumn. He finished off the first try before creating the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was just as eye-catching, capping off a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at fly-half and at both centre positions for his club this season.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Prospects

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. However, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when England regroup to begin their championship quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and centre.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were injured.

Team Background and Broader Significance

Where might England have fared against their opponents without him? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast England for their inability to inject much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the team he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit 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 taken action sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that plagued the team in the past.

Depth charts sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of the substitutes. While the coach plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of this performance.