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It is a interesting feature of England's November perfect record that there were no debutants made their first cap throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.

Star Performance in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He finished off the first try before creating the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for the team's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a excellent debut performance at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Rapid Rise and Future Opportunities

It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to reconsider. He was first called up 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 paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when England reconvene to start their championship quest in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play fly-half and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Team Context and Wider Implications

Where might England have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick should have freshened things up.

A balanced view is needed, though. It is tempting to lambast England for their inability to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. However, this result marks a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. The team is midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the squad he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few current members of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the torrid start that plagued the squad in the past.

Depth charts seem like they are for sailors of the past, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, 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 therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.