🔗 Share this article

It is a curious aspect of England's November clean sweep that no new players made their international debut throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Star Display in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's most challenging performance of the autumn. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for England's final score was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the kind of triple threat 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 Bath this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Future Opportunities

Only a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. But, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when England regroup to begin their championship quest in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when teammates were unavailable.

Team Background and Wider Significance

Where might the team have fared against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, though. It is tempting to lambast England for their inability to inject much urgency into this match, or for nearly losing a fixture they were dominating. However, this result marks a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since 2016. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. The team is halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the squad he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are very few current members of the roster who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the torrid start that affected the team in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of the substitutes. While Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.