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It is a curious feature of England's November perfect record that no new players earned their international debut throughout the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Performance in Hard-Fought Victory

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's final score was equally impressive, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the sort of triple threat that all coaches desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.

Rapid Ascent and Future Opportunities

It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick may have to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team previously, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when England regroup to begin their championship quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Delivered when others were injured.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

Where might the team have been against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England experienced an natural decline in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to criticize England for their inability to bring much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since recent years. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. We are halfway through 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

The manager appears that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he knows the core group of the team he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the difficult beginning that plagued the team in the past.

Depth charts sound like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of the substitutes. As Borthwick plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of this performance.