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It is a curious aspect of the English team'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, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while securing his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Display in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally impressive, capping off a excellent first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

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

Quick Rise and Upcoming Prospects

Only a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. But, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to begin their championship quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when others were unavailable.

Squad Context and Wider Implications

Where might England have been against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe the coach should have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, though. It is tempting to criticize the side for their inability to bring much intensity into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. But, this result marks a clean sweep of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and things look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the squad he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many current members of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the difficult start that plagued the team in the past.

Player rankings sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team 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 England's bench. As Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.