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This marks a interesting feature of England's autumn perfect record that no new players made their first cap throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against the Argentine side while securing his second cap felt like the arrival of a future star.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the key player in what was the team's least convincing outing of the autumn. He finished off the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for England's final score was just as eye-catching, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Rapid Rise and Future Opportunities

Only a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that the coach might need to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when England reconvene to start their championship quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and centre.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Delivered when others were injured.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

Where might England have fared against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach should have freshened things up.

A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their inability to bring much urgency 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 initial occasion since recent years. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Player Pool and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he knows the core group of the squad he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet 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 preceding coach, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the difficult start that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of England's bench. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.