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It is a curious aspect of England's November clean sweep that there were no debutants earned their international debut throughout the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance felt like the arrival of a future star.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the key player in what was the team's most challenging outing of the November series. He scored the first try before creating the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's final score was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Rapid Rise and Future Opportunities

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team previously, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for him to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad reconvene to begin their championship quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play fly-half and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Team Context and Broader Implications

Where might the team have fared against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, though. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their failure to inject much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a fixture they were dominating. But, this result completes a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since 2016. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows 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 roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the torrid start that affected the team in the past.

Player rankings sound like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of England's bench. While Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.