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This marks a curious feature of the English team's November clean sweep that there were no debutants made their first cap throughout the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.

Standout Display in Tight Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's final score was just as eye-catching, concluding a excellent first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of triple threat that all coaches desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this campaign.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Prospects

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. But, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick might need to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when England reconvene to start their championship campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Background and Wider Implications

Where might England have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach should have freshened things up.

A balanced view is needed, though. It is tempting to criticize the side for their failure to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. But, this result marks a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 concludes with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, two years out 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 surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many current members of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the torrid beginning that plagued the squad in the past.

Depth charts seem like they belong to sailors of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of England's substitutes. While the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of this performance.