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It is a curious aspect of the English team's November perfect record that there were no debutants earned their first cap during 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 Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's most challenging performance of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the other two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally eye-catching, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of triple threat that every manager desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.

Quick Rise and Future Prospects

Only eight days since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that the coach may have to reconsider. He was first called up to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a third cap when England regroup to start their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

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

Team Context and Wider Significance

Where might England have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team experienced an natural decline in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.

A balanced view is required, though. It is tempting to lambast the side for their inability to inject much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. However, this outcome marks a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since recent years. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he knows the core group of the squad he will bring to Australia. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are very few existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the past.

Player rankings seem like they belong to sailors of the past, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the strength of the substitutes. While Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.