🔗 Share this article

It is a interesting feature of England's autumn perfect record that no new players made their international debut during the recent campaign, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while earning his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Standout Performance in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing outing of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally impressive, capping off a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects

It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. But, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick may have to think again. He was initially selected to an national team previously, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates paved the way for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when England regroup to begin their Six Nations quest in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

How would England have been against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.

A balanced view is required, though. It is tempting to criticize England for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for nearly losing a fixture they were controlling. But, this result completes a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many current members of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the past.

Depth charts sound like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the quality of England's substitutes. As Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.