🔗 Share this article

It is a interesting feature of the English team's autumn clean sweep that no new players earned 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 appearance felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Display in Tight Win

He proved to be the key player in what was England's least convincing outing of the November series. He scored the first try before setting up the other two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's final score was just as impressive, concluding a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.

He has the kind of triple threat that every manager desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Prospects

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 the young star is that the coach may have to think again. He was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when England reconvene to start their championship campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at fly-half and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Team Background and Wider Implications

How would the team have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. However, this result marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the squad he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are very few current members of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that certain players were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the difficult beginning that affected the team in the past.

Depth charts sound like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of England's substitutes. While the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of this performance.