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It is a curious feature of the English team's November perfect record that there were no debutants made their international debut during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while earning his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Star Display in Tight Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the autumn. He scored the first try before creating the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that all coaches 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 Ascent and Future Opportunities

Only a little over a week since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick might need to think again. He was first called up to an national team previously, but had to wait until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a third cap when England reconvene to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at fly-half and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Team Background and Wider Implications

Where might the team have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over New Zealand. Maybe the coach ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is needed, however. One might be inclined to criticize England for their failure to bring much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a fixture they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, 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 sooner, avoiding the torrid beginning that plagued the team in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they belong to sailors of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the quality of England's substitutes. As the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.