🔗 Share this article

This marks a interesting aspect of England's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants earned their international debut during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's least convincing outing of the autumn. He scored the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for the team's final score was equally eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses 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 multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.

Rapid Rise and Future Prospects

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed 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 initially selected to an England squad previously, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he surely will be in contention for a third cap when England regroup to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Background and Broader Implications

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 best player. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, however. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their inability to inject much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. However, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a loss. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

The manager appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the core group of the squad he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are very few current members of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the difficult beginning that plagued the squad in the past.

Player rankings seem like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the strength of the bench. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can overlook the lack of quality of this performance.