🔗 Share this article

It is a interesting aspect of England's November perfect record that there were no debutants made their first cap throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's third try was just as impressive, capping off a excellent debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at fly-half and at both centre positions for his club this season.

Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick might need to think again. He was initially selected to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad reconvene to begin their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were injured.

Squad Context and Broader Implications

Where might England have been against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England experienced an natural decline in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach should have freshened things up.

Some perspective is required, though. It is tempting to lambast the side for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. However, this result completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since 2016. The year ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority 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 squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of the past, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of the substitutes. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.