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This marks a curious aspect of the English team's November perfect record that no new players made their international debut during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance felt like the arrival of a future star.

Star Performance in Hard-Fought Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's most challenging performance of the autumn. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's third try was equally impressive, concluding a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that all coaches desire 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.

Quick Ascent and Future Prospects

It is just a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad 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 other players paved the way for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when the squad regroup to start their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and centre.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Team Context and Broader Implications

Where might England have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Maybe the coach ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast England for their inability to inject much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. However, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. The year ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the team he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the torrid beginning that plagued the squad in the past.

Player rankings sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, England might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of the bench. While the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.