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It is a curious feature of England's November clean sweep that there were no debutants made their first cap during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's least convincing outing of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before creating the other two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for England's final score was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of triple threat that all coaches desire from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this campaign.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Opportunities

Only a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that the coach may have to reconsider. He was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when England regroup to begin their Six Nations campaign in the new year.

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

Team Background and Broader Significance

Where might the team have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England experienced an natural decline in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, though. It is tempting to criticize England for their inability to bring much urgency into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. But, this outcome completes a clean sweep of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Future Planning

Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority 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 on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans 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 belong to seafarers of the past, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of the substitutes. As Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.