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It is a curious feature of the English team's autumn perfect record that no new players 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 showing against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance felt like the arrival of a future star.

Standout Display in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's most challenging outing of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

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 fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.

Quick Ascent and Future Prospects

It is just eight days since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. However, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that the coach might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for him to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when England reconvene to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and centre.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Context and Wider Implications

How would England have fared against their opponents without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.

A balanced view is needed, however. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their inability to bring much urgency into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. However, this result marks a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the squad he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many current members of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the difficult start that affected the team in the past.

Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers 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 heartbreaking narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to the young star, luck, and the quality of England's substitutes. While Borthwick plans the route 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 this performance.