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It is a curious aspect of England's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their first cap during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while securing his second cap seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing outing of the autumn. He scored the first try before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was just as eye-catching, capping off a excellent debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at fly-half and at both centre positions for his club this campaign.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Opportunities

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that the coach may have to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team previously, but had to wait until the last game of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when England reconvene to start their Six Nations campaign in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and centre.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Squad Context and Broader Implications

How would the team have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team experienced an natural decline in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach ought to have freshened things up.

A balanced view is needed, however. It is tempting to lambast England for their inability to inject much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation 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 understands the core group of the squad he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the difficult beginning that plagued the team in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of the past, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of the bench. While the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.