🔗 Share this article

This marks a interesting aspect of the English team's autumn clean sweep that there were no debutants made their international debut during the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while securing his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.

Standout Performance in Tight Victory

He proved to be the key player in what was England's most challenging outing of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's final score was just as eye-catching, concluding a excellent first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of triple threat that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at number ten and at both centre positions for Bath this season.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Opportunities

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick 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 make his debut. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when England reconvene to begin their Six Nations quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were unavailable.

Team Background and Broader Implications

How would the team have fared against their opponents without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England experienced an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick should have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, though. It is tempting to criticize England for their inability to inject much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. But, this outcome completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many 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 predecessor, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the torrid beginning that plagued the team in the past.

Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty 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 overlook the paucity of this performance.