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It is a interesting feature of the English team's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants earned their first cap during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Standout Display in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the star turn 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 his teammate via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's third try was equally impressive, concluding a excellent first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.

Quick Rise and Future Prospects

Only eight days since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. However, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick might need to think again. He was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when the squad regroup to start their championship quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and centre.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Team Background and Wider Implications

How would the team have been against their opponents without him? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is needed, however. It is tempting to lambast England for their failure to bring much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this result completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after starting 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.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are very few existing players of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it became apparent that certain players were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the torrid beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they belong to sailors of the past, but managers swear by them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of England's substitutes. While the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can overlook the paucity of this performance.