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It is a curious aspect of England's autumn perfect record that no new players made their first cap during the series of matches, 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 seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.

Standout Performance in Tight Victory

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's least convincing performance of the autumn. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for the team's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at Twickenham for the young player.

He has the sort 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 campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

Only eight days since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. But, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to think again. He was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to teammates paved the way for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when England reconvene to start their Six Nations campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten 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 fared against Argentina without him? Certainly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England experienced an natural decline in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick should have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, though. It is tempting to lambast England for their inability to bring much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a fixture they were controlling. However, this outcome completes a clean sweep of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. The team is midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the squad he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players of the roster who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an advantage because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the torrid start that affected the team in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they belong to sailors of the past, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the quality of England's bench. As the coach plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of this performance.