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It is a interesting aspect of the English team's November perfect record that no new players made their international debut throughout the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while earning his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Victory

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's most challenging outing of the November series. He scored the first try before setting up the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for the team's final score was just as impressive, capping off a fine first outing 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 featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.

Rapid Rise and Future Prospects

It is just eight days since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. However, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when the squad regroup to begin their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Team Context and Wider Implications

Where might the team have fared against Argentina without him? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, however. It is tempting to lambast England for their failure to inject much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. But, this outcome completes a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since recent years. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did previously.

Player Pool and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the team he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many existing players of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the torrid beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of the past, but managers swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the quality of the bench. While Borthwick plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can overlook the paucity of this performance.