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This marks a curious feature of England's autumn clean sweep that no new players earned their first cap during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Performance in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's most challenging performance of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for England's final score was just as eye-catching, concluding a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at fly-half and at both centre positions for his club this season.

Rapid Rise and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just eight days since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the future. However, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that the coach might need to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when the squad regroup to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when teammates were unavailable.

Team Background and Broader Significance

Where might the team have fared against their opponents without him? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.

Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to lambast England for their failure to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. However, this result marks a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since 2016. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the squad he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many existing players of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Depth charts sound like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of England's substitutes. While Borthwick plans the route 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.