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It is a curious feature of England's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their first cap during the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second cap felt like the arrival of a future star.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's third try was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that every manager 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 campaign.

Rapid Rise and Future Prospects

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when England reconvene to begin their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play fly-half and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were injured.

Squad Background and Wider Significance

How would the team have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach should have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, though. It is tempting to lambast the side for their failure to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. But, this result marks a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since 2016. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. 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 posed an issue for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, preventing the torrid start that affected the team in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the quality of the bench. While Borthwick plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.