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This marks a interesting feature of England's autumn clean sweep that no new players earned their first cap throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while securing his second cap felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Tight Victory

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's most challenging outing of the November series. He scored the first try before creating the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's third try was equally impressive, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat 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 Bath this campaign.

Rapid Rise and Future Prospects

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when England reconvene to start their championship campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when others were unavailable.

Team Context and Broader Significance

How would the team have fared against their opponents without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Maybe the coach should have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to criticize England for their failure to bring much intensity into this match, 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 2016. The year ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

Borthwick appears that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the squad he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many existing players of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the torrid beginning that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers 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 gut-wrenching narrow loss. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of England's substitutes. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.