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It is a curious aspect of the English team's autumn perfect record that no new players made their international debut throughout the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while securing his second cap felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Star Performance in Hard-Fought Victory

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's final score was just as impressive, capping off a excellent debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. However, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that the coach might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to begin their championship campaign in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play fly-half and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Team Background and Broader Implications

How would England have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe the coach ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, however. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their inability to inject much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. However, this result completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the team in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of the past, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of England's bench. As Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.