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It is a curious aspect of the English team's November perfect record that no new players made their international debut throughout the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while securing his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Star Performance in Hard-Fought Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's most challenging outing of the autumn. He scored the opening touchdown 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 popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's final score was just as impressive, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Rapid Rise and Upcoming Prospects

It is just 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 paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for him to begin here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when the squad regroup to begin their Six Nations campaign in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at fly-half and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Squad Background and Wider Significance

How would the team have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an natural decline in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, though. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a fixture they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a loss. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the team he will bring to Australia. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of the bench. While Borthwick plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of this performance.