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This marks a curious feature of the English team's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants earned their international debut throughout the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while earning his second appearance felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Star Display in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's least convincing performance of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was just as impressive, concluding a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the kind of triple threat that every manager would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this season.

Rapid Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

It is just eight days since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. But, the highest praise that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to reconsider. He was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the last game of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to teammates paved the way for him to begin here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when England regroup to start their Six Nations campaign in the new year.

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

Team Context and Wider Implications

Where might England have been against Argentina without him? Certainly 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. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, though. One might be inclined to lambast England for their inability to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. However, this result marks a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

The manager appears that, two years out 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 on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit 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 plans. He seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the torrid start that affected the team in the past.

Depth charts seem like they belong to sailors of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the strength of England's bench. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of this performance.