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This marks a interesting feature of England's autumn perfect record that no new players made their international debut during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Standout Performance in Tight Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's least convincing performance of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's final score was equally impressive, capping off a fine debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of triple threat that all coaches desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this season.

Quick Rise and Future Opportunities

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for him to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when England reconvene to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and centre.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Delivered when others were injured.

Team Background and Broader Significance

How would the team have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England experienced an natural decline in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is needed, however. It is tempting to criticize England for their inability to bring much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the squad he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an advantage because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the torrid beginning that plagued the team in the past.

Player rankings sound like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to the young star, luck, and the quality of England's substitutes. As the coach plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.