🔗 Share this article

This marks a interesting aspect of the English team's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants made their international debut during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance felt like the arrival of a future star.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's least convincing performance of the autumn. He finished off the first try before creating the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was just as impressive, concluding 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 inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.

Quick Ascent and Future Opportunities

Only a little over a week since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to begin their championship quest in the new year.

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

Team Context and Broader Implications

How would England have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.

Some perspective is required, though. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their failure to inject much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. However, this outcome marks a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since recent years. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a loss. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few existing players of the roster who are not on track for the upcoming event.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the difficult start that plagued the squad in the past.

Player rankings seem like they belong to seafarers of the past, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the quality of England's bench. As Borthwick 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 this performance.