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It is a curious feature of England's November perfect record that there were no debutants made their first cap throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's least convincing performance of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the other two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions for Bath this season.

Quick Rise and Future Prospects

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that the coach may have to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when England regroup to start their championship quest in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Squad Context and Wider Significance

Where might England have fared against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their inability to bring much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. However, this result marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick 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 odd bolter. But there are very few existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the torrid beginning that plagued the squad in the past.

Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of the past, but managers swear by 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 is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the quality of England's substitutes. While the coach 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 this performance.