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It is a curious feature of the English team's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their first cap during the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Standout Performance in Tight Victory

He proved to be the key player in what was England's least convincing outing of the autumn. He finished off the first try before creating the other two. His assist for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a excellent first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick might need to think again. He was first called up to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when England reconvene to begin their championship quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Squad Background and Wider Implications

How would the team have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, though. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their failure to inject much intensity into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. However, this result marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the squad he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the torrid start that affected the squad in the past.

Depth charts seem like they belong to sailors of the past, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the quality of the substitutes. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.