🔗 Share this article

It is a curious aspect of England's November perfect record that there were no debutants made their international debut during the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.

Star Performance in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's least convincing performance of the autumn. He finished off the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's third try was just as eye-catching, capping off a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Rapid Rise and Future Prospects

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. However, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that the coach might need to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to bide his time until the last game of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to start their Six Nations quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Squad Background and Broader Implications

Where might the team have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach should have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, however. It is tempting to lambast the side for their failure to inject much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. However, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the squad he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are very few existing players of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the difficult start that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.

Depth charts sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking narrow loss. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of the substitutes. As Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.