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It is a interesting feature of the English team's November perfect record that there were no debutants made their first cap throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while earning his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.

Star Display in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging outing of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally impressive, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that all coaches desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this season.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Opportunities

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick may have to think again. He 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. Injuries to other players created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when the squad regroup to begin their Six Nations campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and centre.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

How would the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising 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. One might be inclined to lambast England for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a fixture they were controlling. But, this result marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the team he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are very few existing players 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 became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the torrid start that plagued the team in the past.

Player rankings sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the strength of the bench. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of this performance.