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This marks a interesting feature of the English team's autumn perfect record that no new players made their first cap during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Display in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's most challenging performance of the autumn. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for England's third try was just as impressive, concluding a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.

Rapid Rise and Future Opportunities

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. However, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick might need to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to begin their Six Nations campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at fly-half and centre.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

How would England have fared against Argentina without him? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, however. It is tempting to lambast England for their failure to bring much urgency into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. However, this outcome completes a clean sweep of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the core group of the squad he will bring to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many current members of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.

Depth charts sound like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, 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. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of England's substitutes. As the coach plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.