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It is a interesting aspect of the English team's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their first cap throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while securing his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging outing of the autumn. He finished off the first try before creating the other two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.

Rapid Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

It is just eight days since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the highest praise that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to reconsider. He was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when the squad reconvene to start their championship quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Team Context and Wider Significance

Where might the team have been against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an natural decline in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is required, though. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their failure to inject much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. But, this result completes a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the team he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few current members of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

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 play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the difficult beginning that plagued the team in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the quality of England's bench. As the coach plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.