🔗 Share this article

It is a curious feature of England's November perfect record that there were no debutants earned their international debut during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while earning his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's most challenging outing of the November series. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's final score was just as impressive, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of triple threat that all coaches would want from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.

Quick Ascent and Future Opportunities

It is just a little over a week since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick might need to think again. He was first called up to an national team previously, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when England reconvene to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

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

Team Background and Broader Implications

How would the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is required, however. One might be inclined to criticize England for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. However, this result completes a clean sweep of November matches for the initial occasion since recent years. The year ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. The team is halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the team he will bring to Australia. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the torrid beginning that plagued the squad in the past.

Player rankings sound like they are for sailors of the past, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of England's bench. While Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.