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It is a curious aspect of England's autumn clean sweep that no new players made their first cap throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's display against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the key player in what was England's most challenging performance of the autumn. He scored the first try before creating the other two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's final score was equally impressive, concluding a excellent first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of triple threat that all coaches desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Quick Ascent and Future Prospects

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the best compliment that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when England reconvene to begin their championship quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when others were injured.

Team Context and Broader Significance

Where might the team have fared against their opponents without him? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team experienced an natural decline in intensity following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach should have freshened things up.

Some perspective is required, though. It is tempting to criticize England for their inability to inject much urgency into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. However, this outcome completes a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since 2016. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the torrid start that plagued the team in the past.

Depth charts sound like they belong to sailors of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of the substitutes. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of this performance.