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It is a curious aspect of England's November clean sweep that no new players earned their international debut throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second cap seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.

Star Display in Tight Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. His assist for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for the team's final score was just as eye-catching, capping off a fine first outing at Twickenham for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of triple threat that every manager 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 season.

Rapid Rise and Future Opportunities

Only eight days since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players paved the way for him to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad reconvene to begin their championship campaign in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and centre.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Delivered when others were unavailable.

Team Context and Wider Implications

How would the team have fared against Argentina without him? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England showed an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.

A balanced view 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 game they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. The team is midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Future Planning

The manager appears that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the team he will bring to Australia. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many current members of the squad who are not in contention 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 veterans were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the torrid beginning that plagued the team in the previous cycle.

Depth charts sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of England's substitutes. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.