🔗 Share this article

It is a interesting aspect of the English team's November perfect record that there were no debutants earned their first cap during the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.

Star Performance in Tight Victory

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's most challenging performance of the autumn. He finished off the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for England's final score was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of triple threat that every manager desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to think again. He 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. Injuries to teammates paved the way for him to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad reconvene to start their championship quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and centre.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Team Context and Wider Significance

Where might the team have fared against Argentina without him? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick should have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to lambast England for their inability to bring much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a loss. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the squad he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players 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 was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the past.

Depth charts sound like they belong to seafarers of the past, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of England's bench. While the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.