🔗 Share this article

It is a curious feature of England's November perfect record that no new players made their first cap during the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while securing his second cap felt like the arrival of a future star.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's least convincing performance of the autumn. He finished off the first try before creating the remaining two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 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 just as impressive, capping off a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the sort of triple threat that all coaches desire from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this campaign.

Rapid Rise and Upcoming Prospects

Only a little over a week since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick might need to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when England regroup to start their Six Nations campaign in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were injured.

Team Context and Broader Significance

How would the team have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an natural decline in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, however. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their failure to inject much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

The manager appears that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the team he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many existing players of the roster who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the torrid start that plagued the team in the past.

Player rankings sound like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of England's bench. As the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.