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It is a curious aspect of the English team's autumn clean sweep that there were no debutants made their international debut during the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while securing his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Performance in Tight Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's most challenging outing of the November series. He scored the first try before setting up the other two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was equally eye-catching, concluding a excellent debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. However, the highest praise that can be paid 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 wait until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when the squad regroup to start their championship quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Context and Broader Implications

Where might the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach should have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, though. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their failure to bring much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. But, this outcome completes a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since 2016. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are very few current members of the roster who are not on track for the upcoming event.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the torrid start that affected the team in the past.

Depth charts sound like they are for seafarers of the past, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. On another day, England might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of England's substitutes. While Borthwick plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of this performance.