🔗 Share this article

It is a interesting aspect of England's autumn clean sweep that there were no debutants made their first cap during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for England's third try was just as impressive, capping off a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of triple threat that every manager would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at fly-half and at both centre positions for Bath this campaign.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to bide his time until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Injuries to teammates paved the way for him to begin here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when England regroup to begin their Six Nations campaign in the coming months.

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

Squad Background and Broader 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 standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a major win over the All Blacks. Maybe Borthwick should have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, however. One might be inclined to criticize England for their failure to inject much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. However, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 concludes with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a loss. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are very few current members of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, preventing the difficult start that affected the team in the past.

Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers of the past, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of England's bench. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.