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It is a curious aspect of the English team's November clean sweep that no new players made their first cap during the recent campaign, 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 breakthrough of a major talent.

Star Display in Tight Victory

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's least convincing outing of the autumn. He scored the first try before creating the other two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this season.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team previously, but had to bide his time until the last game of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when England regroup to start their Six Nations quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and centre.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Squad Background and Wider Implications

Where might England have been 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 inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe the coach should have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, however. One might be inclined to criticize England for their inability to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. However, this outcome completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many existing players of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the team in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they belong to seafarers of the past, but coaches rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of England's substitutes. While Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of this performance.