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It is a curious feature of the English team's autumn perfect record that no new players made their international debut throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.

Standout Display in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's final score was just as impressive, capping off a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions for Bath this season.

Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that the coach may have to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to start their Six Nations quest in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Squad Context and Wider 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. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.

A balanced view is needed, though. It is tempting to lambast England for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. But, this result marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. 2025 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 Long-Term Strategy

The manager appears that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are very few existing players of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the torrid start that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings sound like they belong to sailors of the past, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due 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 paucity of the recent display.