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It is a curious feature of England's November perfect record that no new players earned their international debut during the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's display against the Argentine side while securing his second cap felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Star Display in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's most challenging performance of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's final score was equally impressive, concluding a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.

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

Rapid Rise and Future Opportunities

Only a little over a week since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. However, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. He was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he surely will be in contention for a third cap when the squad reconvene to start their championship campaign in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Squad Context and Broader Implications

Where might the team have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick should have freshened things up.

Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to lambast the side for their failure to inject much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. However, this result completes 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. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he understands the core group of the team he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many current members of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the difficult start that affected the team in the previous cycle.

Depth charts sound like they are for seafarers of the past, but coaches rely on 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. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of the bench. While Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of this performance.