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It is a interesting feature of England's November clean sweep that no new players earned their first cap during the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while earning his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Display in Tight Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the autumn. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's third try was equally impressive, concluding a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of triple threat that all coaches would want from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Rapid Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

It is just 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 the young star is that the coach might need to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to begin their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at fly-half and centre.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

How would England have been against their opponents without him? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach should have freshened things up.

A balanced view is required, though. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their failure to inject much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a fixture they were controlling. However, this result completes a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the core group of the squad he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are very few current members of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the torrid beginning that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of the bench. While the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.