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This marks a curious feature of the English team's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their international debut throughout the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the other two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was just as eye-catching, capping off a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions for Bath this season.

Quick Ascent and Future Opportunities

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. However, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when the squad reconvene to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and centre.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when others were unavailable.

Team Context and Wider Significance

How would England have fared against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach should have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to criticize England for their failure to inject much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the team he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the torrid beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they belong to sailors of the past, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of the substitutes. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.