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This marks a curious aspect of England's November clean sweep that no new players made their international debut throughout the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while earning his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Standout Performance in Hard-Fought 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 first try before creating the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's final score was just as eye-catching, capping off a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that the coach may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad reconvene to begin their championship campaign in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at fly-half and centre.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were injured.

Team Context and Broader Implications

Where might the team have fared against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to lambast the side for their inability to inject much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are very few 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 was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the torrid start that affected the team in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they belong to sailors of the past, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the quality of England's bench. As the coach plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.