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This marks a curious aspect of England's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their international debut throughout the recent campaign, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while earning his second appearance felt like the arrival of a major talent.

Star Performance in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's least convincing outing of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was just as eye-catching, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this season.

Quick Rise and Future Prospects

Only eight days since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. 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 wait until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad reconvene to start their championship quest in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Team Background and Broader Significance

Where might England have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England experienced an natural decline in intensity following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, though. It is tempting to criticize England for their failure to inject much intensity into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were dominating. However, this result completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. The year concludes with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

The manager appears that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the squad he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. On another day, England might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking narrow loss. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of England's substitutes. As Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of this performance.