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It is a curious aspect of England's November clean sweep that no new players earned their first cap throughout the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while earning his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Standout Performance in Tight Victory

He proved to be the key player in what was the team's least convincing outing of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally impressive, concluding a fine first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of triple threat that all coaches desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at both centre positions for Bath this season.

Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that the coach might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when England regroup to start their championship quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Team Context and Wider Significance

Where might the team have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach ought to have freshened things up.

A balanced view is needed, though. It is tempting to lambast England for their inability to bring much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a fixture they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the squad he will bring to Australia. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many existing players of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, preventing the difficult beginning that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they belong to sailors of the past, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of England's substitutes. As the coach plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of this performance.