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It is a interesting feature of England's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants earned their first cap throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Performance in Tight Victory

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's third try was just as eye-catching, capping off a excellent first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this campaign.

Rapid Rise and Future Opportunities

Only a little over a week since the head coach might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. However, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that the coach might need to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when England reconvene to begin their Six Nations campaign in the new year.

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

Squad Context and Wider Implications

How would England have been against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their best player. England showed an natural decline in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, however. It is tempting to criticize England for their failure to inject much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this result completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look considerably rosier 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 the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many current members of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

That represents an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the difficult start that affected the squad in the past.

Depth charts sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, England might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the quality of the bench. As Borthwick plots a course to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.