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It is a curious feature of the English team's autumn clean sweep that there were no debutants earned their first cap during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Performance in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He finished off the first try 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 quick offload to Henry Slade for England's third try was just as impressive, capping off a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at fly-half and at both centre positions for his club this season.

Rapid Rise and Upcoming Prospects

Only a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. He was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for him to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a third cap when the squad reconvene to start their Six Nations campaign in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Squad Context and Broader Implications

How would the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their best player. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to criticize England for their inability to bring much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a fixture they were dominating. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the squad he will bring to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many existing players of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the difficult beginning that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, England might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the quality of the substitutes. As Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.