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This marks a curious feature of England's autumn clean sweep that no new players earned their first cap throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Star Performance in Hard-Fought Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's final score was equally impressive, concluding a fine first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that every manager 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 Future Opportunities

It is just a little over a week since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when England reconvene to begin their championship campaign in the coming months.

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

Team Background and Wider Implications

Where might the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe the coach ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is required, though. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their inability to bring much intensity 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 first time since 2016. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a loss. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier 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 World Cup, he understands the core group of the squad he will bring to Australia. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many existing players of the squad who are not in contention 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 strategy. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the difficult beginning that plagued the squad in the past.

Player rankings sound like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of the bench. As the coach plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of this performance.