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It is a curious feature of England's November perfect record that no new players made their international debut throughout the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while earning his second appearance felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Star Performance in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to the center for England's final score was equally eye-catching, concluding a excellent debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at both centre positions for Bath this campaign.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just a little over a week since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that the coach may have to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he surely will be in contention for a third cap when England reconvene to begin their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Delivered when others were injured.

Team Context and Wider Significance

Where might the team have been against Argentina without him? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England experienced an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe the coach ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, though. It is tempting to criticize England for their failure to inject much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. However, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since 2016. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Future Planning

Borthwick appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the squad he will bring to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are very few current members of the roster who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it became apparent that certain players were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the difficult start that affected the squad in the past.

Player rankings sound like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the quality of the substitutes. As the coach plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.