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This marks a curious aspect of the English team's autumn clean sweep that there were no debutants earned their first cap throughout the series of matches, 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 appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Tight Victory

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's least convincing outing of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown 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 the team's final score was equally eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at fly-half and at both centre positions for Bath this season.

Quick Ascent and Future Opportunities

Only a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that the coach might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to start their championship campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Delivered when others were injured.

Team Context and Broader Significance

Where might England have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, however. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few current members of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the torrid beginning that plagued the squad in the past.

Player rankings sound like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of the bench. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.