🔗 Share this article

It is a curious aspect of England's autumn perfect record that no new players made 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 earning his second cap 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 performance of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's final score was just as eye-catching, concluding a excellent first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that every manager 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 season.

Rapid Rise and Upcoming Prospects

Only eight days since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick might need to reconsider. He was initially selected to an England squad previously, but had to wait until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players paved the way for him to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when England regroup to start their championship quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play fly-half and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when others were injured.

Squad Background and Broader Significance

Where might England have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach ought to have freshened things up.

A balanced view is needed, though. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, with time remaining 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 not many 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 predecessor, who found it difficult when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, preventing the torrid start that affected the team in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they are for sailors of the past, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not is largely due to the young star, luck, and the quality of the bench. As the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can overlook the lack of quality of this performance.