🔗 Share this article

This marks a interesting aspect of England's November perfect record that there were no debutants earned their international debut during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Star Performance in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's most challenging outing of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the remaining two. The setup 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 England's third try was just as impressive, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of triple threat that every manager desire from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just eight days since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. However, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the last game of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad reconvene to start their championship quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were injured.

Team Background and Broader Significance

Where might the team have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England showed an natural decline in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is needed, however. It is tempting to lambast England for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a fixture they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. The year ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

The manager appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings sound like they belong to sailors of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to the young star, luck, and the strength of England's bench. As the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, 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 the recent display.