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This marks a curious feature of England's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their international debut during the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while earning his second cap seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.

Standout Display in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the autumn. He scored the opening touchdown before creating the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally impressive, concluding a excellent debut performance at Twickenham for the young player.

He has the kind of triple threat that every manager would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the future. But, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to think again. He was first called up to an national team previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when the squad regroup to start their Six Nations campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play fly-half and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were injured.

Team Context and Wider Implications

Where might the team have fared against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.

A balanced view is needed, however. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their inability to bring much urgency into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. However, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since 2016. The year ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he knows the core group of the squad he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the team in the previous cycle.

Player rankings sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the strength of the bench. While 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 overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.