🔗 Share this article

It is a curious aspect of England's November clean sweep that there were no debutants earned their first cap throughout the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the autumn. He scored the first try before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to the center for the team's final score was equally eye-catching, capping off a excellent first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Rapid Rise and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick might need to think again. Ojomoh was first called up 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 other players paved the way for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when England reconvene to start their championship quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Squad Background and Broader Significance

Where might the team have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, though. It is tempting to lambast England for their inability to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. The year ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and things look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

The manager appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many current members of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the torrid start that affected the squad in the past.

Depth charts sound like they are for sailors of the past, but coaches rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of the bench. While the coach plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of this performance.