🔗 Share this article

This marks a curious aspect of the English team's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants made their first cap during the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.

Star Display in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's least convincing outing of the autumn. He scored the first try before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was just as impressive, capping off a excellent first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Future Opportunities

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. But, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that the coach might need to think again. He was initially selected to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when England reconvene to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and centre.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Delivered when others were unavailable.

Team Background and Broader Implications

Where might England have fared against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their best player. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.

A balanced view is needed, however. One might be inclined to criticize England for their inability to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a clean sweep of November matches for the initial occasion since recent years. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to Australia. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the torrid start that affected the squad in the past.

Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the quality of England's substitutes. While Borthwick plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of this performance.