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It is a curious aspect of England's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants made their international debut during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while earning his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's least convincing outing of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the other two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to the center for the team's third try was equally eye-catching, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that every manager desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Rapid Rise and Future Opportunities

It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be paid 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 last game of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when England reconvene to start their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Delivered when others were injured.

Team Context and Broader Significance

How would the team have fared against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their best player. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach should have freshened things up.

A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to criticize England for their failure to bring much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a fixture they were controlling. But, this result completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a loss. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many current members of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the torrid beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Depth charts sound like they are for sailors of the past, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of England's substitutes. While the coach plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.