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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 series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's display against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Standout Display in Tight Victory

He proved to be the key player in what was England's most challenging performance of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for the team's final score was equally impressive, capping off a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Prospects

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the last game of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for him to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when England 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.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Context and Wider Implications

How would the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.

Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to criticize the side for their failure to inject much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this result marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are very few current members of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, preventing the difficult start that affected the team in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they are for seafarers of the past, but managers rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the strength of England's substitutes. As the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.