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This marks a curious feature of the English team's autumn clean sweep that there were no debutants earned their international debut throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while securing his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the key player in what was the team's most challenging outing of the November series. He scored the first try before setting up the other two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was equally impressive, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Opportunities

Only a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had discovered 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 four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when the squad regroup to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and centre.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were injured.

Squad Context and Wider Implications

How would England have fared against Argentina without him? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an natural decline in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach ought to have freshened things up.

A balanced view is needed, however. It is tempting to criticize the side for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the squad he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are very few existing players of the roster 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 was clear that veterans were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, preventing the torrid start that plagued the team in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they belong to sailors of the past, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the quality of England's bench. As the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.