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It is a interesting feature of England's November perfect record that no new players earned their international debut during the recent campaign, 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 future star.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Victory

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's least convincing outing of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's third try was equally eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at Twickenham for the young player.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at fly-half and at both centre positions for his club this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Future Opportunities

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have 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 earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a third cap when the squad regroup to start their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at fly-half and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when others were injured.

Squad Background and Broader Significance

Where might the team have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach should have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their inability to inject much intensity into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. However, this result marks a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since recent years. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the squad he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few current members of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the difficult start that affected the team in the past.

Depth charts sound 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 nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of the substitutes. While Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.