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This marks a curious feature of the English team's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants made their international debut throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Star Display in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's least convincing performance of the November series. He finished off the first try before creating the other two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for the team's third try was equally impressive, concluding a fine debut performance 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 featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to reconsider. He was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when England regroup to start their Six Nations campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Context and Broader Implications

How would England have been against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, however. It is tempting to lambast England for their failure to inject much urgency into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Future Planning

The manager appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many existing players of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the difficult start that affected the squad in the past.

Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of the past, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of England's substitutes. While Borthwick plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of this performance.