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This marks a interesting aspect of England's November clean sweep that there were no debutants made their international debut throughout 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 earning his second cap felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Tight Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's most challenging performance of the November series. He scored the first try before creating the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to the center for England's final score was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at fly-half and at both centre positions for his club this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects

It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick may have to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour 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 reconvene to begin their Six Nations campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Squad Context and Wider Significance

Where might England have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick should have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, however. It is tempting to lambast the side for their inability to inject much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. But, this result completes a perfect record of November matches for the first time since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the squad he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few current members of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the torrid beginning that plagued the team in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they are for sailors of the past, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. On another day, England 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 wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of this performance.