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It is a curious feature of England's autumn perfect record that no new players made their first cap during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against the Argentine side while earning his second cap felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's most challenging outing of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's third try was just as impressive, concluding a fine first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this season.

Rapid Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the highest praise that can be given to Ojomoh is that Borthwick might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to begin their championship quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Background and Wider Implications

Where might England have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick should have freshened things up.

Some perspective is needed, though. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their inability to inject much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. The year ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the squad he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many current members of the roster who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.

Depth charts sound like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the quality of England's substitutes. While the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.