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It is a interesting feature of England's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants made their international debut during the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while earning his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Hard-Fought Victory

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the remaining two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's final score was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Prospects

It is just a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick might need to reconsider. He was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad regroup to start their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

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

Squad Context and Wider Implications

How would the team have been against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. England experienced an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, however. It is tempting to criticize the side for their inability to inject much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. However, this result marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. The team is midway in the four-year tournament plan and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he understands the core group of the team he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers of the past, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of England's bench. As Borthwick plots a course 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 this performance.