🔗 Share this article

This marks a curious feature of the English team's autumn clean sweep that no new players made their first cap during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's least convincing performance of the autumn. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's third try was equally impressive, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions for Bath this season.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities

Only eight days since the head coach might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. But, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match 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 consideration for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to begin their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Background and Wider Significance

Where might the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly 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 major win over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick should have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, however. One might be inclined to lambast England for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. However, this result completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. The team is halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the team he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few existing players of the roster who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an advantage because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the difficult start that affected the team in the past.

Player rankings sound like they are for sailors of the past, but managers swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking narrow loss. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the quality of England's bench. While 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 forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.