🔗 Share this article

It is a curious feature of England's November perfect record that there were no debutants made their international debut during the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Standout Display in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the autumn. He finished off the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally impressive, concluding a excellent first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of triple threat that all coaches desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Rapid Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to think again. He was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when England reconvene to start their championship quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were injured.

Team Background and Wider Implications

Where might the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. England showed an natural decline in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, though. It is tempting to criticize England for their inability to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. However, this outcome completes a clean sweep of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the difficult start that plagued the team in the past.

Player rankings sound like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the quality of the bench. As Borthwick plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.