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It is a curious feature of the English team's November clean sweep that no new players earned their international debut during the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second cap felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Star Performance in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's most challenging outing of the autumn. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for the team's final score was just as impressive, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this season.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. But, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick might need to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad regroup to begin their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Team Context and Wider Significance

How would the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. The team showed an natural decline in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach should have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, though. One might be inclined to lambast England for their inability to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since 2016. The year ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. The team is midway in 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 gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the team he will bring to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the team in the past.

Depth charts sound like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of England's substitutes. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of this performance.