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This marks a interesting feature of the English team's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their international debut throughout the recent campaign, something not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second cap felt like the arrival of a future star.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging outing of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before creating the other two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's final score was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.

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

Quick Rise and Future Opportunities

Only a little over a week since the head coach might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. He was first called up to an national team previously, but had to bide his time until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when the squad regroup to begin their championship quest in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Delivered when others were injured.

Team Background and Wider Implications

Where might the team have fared against their opponents without him? Certainly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, though. It is tempting to criticize England for their failure to bring much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a fixture they were dominating. But, this result marks a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. The year concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. The team is midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the team he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few current members of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the difficult start that affected the team in the past.

Depth charts seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, England might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to the young star, luck, and the strength of the substitutes. While the coach plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of this performance.