🔗 Share this article

This marks a interesting aspect of the English team's autumn clean sweep that no new players earned their international debut during the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's most challenging outing of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the other two. His assist for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for England's final score was equally eye-catching, concluding a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.

Quick Ascent and Future Prospects

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that the coach might need to think again. He was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when England regroup to begin their Six Nations quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

Where might the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England experienced an natural decline in intensity following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe the coach ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, though. It is tempting to criticize the side for their failure to inject much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he understands the core group of the squad he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many existing players of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of England's substitutes. As the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.