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This marks a curious feature of the English team's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their first cap during the recent campaign, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's most challenging outing of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before creating the remaining two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's final score was equally impressive, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

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 multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects

Only eight days since the head coach might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick may have to think again. He was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when England reconvene to begin their championship quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Squad Context and Wider Implications

How would England have been against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach should have freshened things up.

A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their inability to bring much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. However, this result marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. The year ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many current members of the roster who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, avoiding the difficult start that plagued the team in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England 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 substitutes. As Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of this performance.