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This marks a interesting feature of England's autumn clean sweep that no new players made their first cap during the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while earning his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.

Star Display in Tight Victory

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. His assist for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to the center for England's final score was just as eye-catching, concluding a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at both centre positions for Bath this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed 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 reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to wait until the last game of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for him to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a third cap when England regroup to start their Six Nations campaign in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play fly-half and centre.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Squad Context and Wider Implications

Where might England have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their best player. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, though. It is tempting to lambast England for their inability to inject much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a fixture they were dominating. But, this result marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. The team is halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.

Squad Depth 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 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 upcoming event.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they belong to sailors of the past, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, England might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of the bench. While the coach plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can overlook the paucity of this performance.