🔗 Share this article

This marks a interesting aspect of the English team's autumn perfect record that no new players made their international debut throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing outing of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's final score was just as eye-catching, concluding a excellent first outing at Twickenham for the young player.

He has the sort of triple threat that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

It is just eight days since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. However, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to think again. He was initially selected to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad regroup to begin their championship quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were injured.

Team Background and Broader Implications

How would the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Maybe the coach ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, though. One might be inclined to lambast England for their failure to inject much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. However, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the first time since 2016. The year concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many existing players of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the team in the past.

Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers of the past, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. On another day, England might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of the bench. While the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of this performance.