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It is a interesting aspect of England's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their international debut throughout the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while securing his second cap seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.

Standout Performance in Tight Victory

He proved to be the key player in what was England's most challenging performance of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's final score was just as impressive, capping off a excellent first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of versatile skillset that every manager 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 campaign.

Quick Rise and Future Opportunities

It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be paid 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 final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. 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 regroup to start their championship quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were injured.

Squad Background and Broader Significance

Where might England have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, though. It is tempting to lambast the side for their failure to inject much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. However, this result completes a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. The team is halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are very few current members of the roster who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the torrid beginning that affected the squad in the past.

Depth charts sound like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of the bench. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of this performance.