🔗 Share this article

It is a curious aspect of England's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants made their international debut throughout the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while earning his second cap seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Display in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's least convincing outing of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's final score was just as eye-catching, capping off a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of triple threat that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at fly-half and at both centre positions for Bath this season.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

It is just a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. However, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that the coach may have to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected 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 other players created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to start their championship quest in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at fly-half and centre.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when teammates were injured.

Squad Background and Broader Implications

Where might the team have fared against their opponents without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. England experienced an natural decline in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach should have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, though. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their failure to inject much urgency into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

The manager appears that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the squad he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the torrid beginning that affected the squad in the past.

Player rankings sound like they are for seafarers of the past, but coaches rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of the substitutes. 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 forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.