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This marks a interesting feature of the English team's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants earned their first cap during the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Display in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before creating the remaining two. His assist 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 final score was just as eye-catching, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Quick Rise and Future Prospects

It is just eight days since the head coach might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. Ojomoh 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 make his debut. Injuries to teammates paved the way for him to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Team Background and Wider Significance

How would England have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach should have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, however. One might be inclined to criticize England for their inability to inject much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a fixture they were controlling. But, this result completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. The team is midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the team he will bring to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Depth charts sound like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of the bench. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.