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It is a curious feature of the English team's November clean sweep that no new players made their first cap during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while securing his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.

Star Performance in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's most challenging performance of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before creating the other two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to the center for England's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at fly-half and at both centre positions for Bath this campaign.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just eight days since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. He was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when England regroup to start their Six Nations campaign in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were injured.

Squad Context and Broader Implications

How would England have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Maybe the coach ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, however. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their failure to inject much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. However, this result completes a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. The year concludes with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did previously.

Squad Depth 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 take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that veterans were not going to feature in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the difficult start that plagued the squad in the past.

Player rankings sound like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of the bench. While Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of this performance.