🔗 Share this article

This marks a interesting aspect of England's November perfect record that no new players made their international debut throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while securing his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.

Star Performance in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's least convincing performance of the November series. He scored the first try before creating the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's final score was just as impressive, capping off a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that every manager would want 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 campaign.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. But, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that the coach may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad regroup to start their Six Nations quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when others were unavailable.

Squad Background and Broader Significance

Where might England have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to lambast the side for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for nearly losing a fixture they were controlling. However, this result completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Future Planning

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 odd bolter. But there are not many current members of the roster who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an advantage because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the torrid beginning that plagued the squad in the past.

Player rankings seem like they are for sailors of the past, but managers swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, 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 therefore we can forgive the paucity of this performance.