🔗 Share this article

This marks a interesting feature of England's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants made their first cap during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while securing his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Display in Tight Victory

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's most challenging outing of the autumn. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of triple threat that every manager would want from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Rapid Ascent and Future Opportunities

Only eight days since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. But, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the last game of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when the squad reconvene to begin their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play fly-half and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Context and Wider Significance

Where might England have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, however. It is tempting to criticize England for their inability to inject much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to Australia. Of course, 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.

That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the torrid beginning that affected the team in the past.

Depth charts seem like they belong to sailors of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, England might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of England's substitutes. While the coach plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.