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It is a curious feature of England's November clean sweep that no new players earned their first cap throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while earning his second cap seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Hard-Fought Victory

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's most challenging performance of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to the center for England's third try was equally eye-catching, capping off a excellent first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the kind of triple threat that every manager desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. However, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when the squad regroup to start their championship campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Team Context and Broader Significance

Where might England have fared against their opponents without him? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, however. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their inability to bring much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this result marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. We are midway in 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

The manager appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many current members of the roster who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, 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, avoiding the difficult beginning that plagued the team in the previous cycle.

Player rankings sound like they belong to seafarers of the past, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of England's substitutes. As the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.