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This marks a curious aspect of England's November clean sweep that no new players made their first cap during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Victory

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing outing of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for England's final score was just as impressive, concluding a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the sort of triple threat that every manager would want from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just eight days since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. But, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when the squad regroup to begin their championship quest in the coming months.

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

Squad Background and Broader Significance

Where might England have been against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, however. It is tempting to lambast the side for their inability to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since recent years. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he understands the core group of the squad he will bring to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an advantage because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the torrid beginning that affected the team in the past.

Depth charts sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of the bench. While Borthwick plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of this performance.