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This marks a interesting aspect of England's November perfect record that no new players earned their first cap throughout the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while earning his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Standout Display in Tight Victory

He proved to be the key player in what was the team's least convincing performance of the November series. He finished off the first try before creating the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's final score was just as impressive, concluding a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Future Opportunities

It is just eight days since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. But, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to reconsider. He was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to begin their Six Nations campaign in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and centre.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Team Context and Wider Significance

Where might England have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. The team showed 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 urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a fixture they were controlling. But, this result marks a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did previously.

Player Pool and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few existing players of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of England's bench. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.