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It is a curious feature of England's autumn clean sweep that there were no debutants made their international debut throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second cap seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for England's final score was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

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

Quick Rise and Upcoming Prospects

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. He was first called up to an national team previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to start their championship campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and centre.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Squad Background and Wider Implications

How would the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach should have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, however. It is tempting to lambast the side for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. However, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. The year concludes with 11 straight wins 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 previously.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

The manager appears that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many existing players of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the difficult beginning that plagued the team in the past.

Player rankings sound like they belong to sailors of the past, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. 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 wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.