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This marks a curious feature of England's November clean sweep that no new players made their first cap during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while earning his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Victory

He proved to be the key player in what was England's least convincing performance of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine first outing at Twickenham for the young player.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this season.

Quick Ascent and Future Opportunities

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that the coach might need to reconsider. He was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to bide his time until the last game of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for him 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.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were injured.

Squad Context and Wider Implications

How would England have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, however. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their failure to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the first time since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the core group of the squad he will take to Australia. 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.

That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the torrid beginning that affected the squad in the past.

Depth charts sound like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of England's substitutes. While Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of this performance.