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This marks a curious feature of England's autumn clean sweep that no new players earned their first cap during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while securing his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Victory

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's least convincing outing of the November series. He finished off the first try before creating the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a excellent first outing at Twickenham for the young player.

He has the sort 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 multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Quick Ascent and Future Prospects

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. But, the highest praise that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to reconsider. He was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when England regroup to begin their Six Nations quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

Where might England have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England showed an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick should have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, however. It is tempting to lambast the side for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. The team is halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

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

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that plagued the team in the previous cycle.

Depth charts sound like they belong to seafarers of the past, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of the bench. As Borthwick plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of this performance.