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It is a curious aspect of England's November clean sweep that there were no debutants earned their international debut during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while earning his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Performance in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's most challenging outing of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before creating the other two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's final score was just as impressive, concluding a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses 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 Bath this season.

Quick Ascent and Future Opportunities

Only a little over a week since the head coach 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 the coach may have to think again. He was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when England regroup to start their championship quest in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when teammates were injured.

Team Context and Broader Significance

How would England have been against their opponents without him? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an natural decline in intensity following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach should have freshened things up.

Some perspective is needed, though. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. But, this result completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. The year ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Player Pool and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the team he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are very few existing players of the roster who are not on track for the upcoming event.

This is an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the difficult start that plagued the team in the past.

Depth charts seem like they belong to sailors of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, 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. As the coach plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.