🔗 Share this article

It is a interesting aspect of the English team's November clean sweep that no new players earned their international debut during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while securing his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.

Star Performance in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's least convincing outing of the November series. He finished off the first try before creating the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally impressive, concluding a fine first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Quick Ascent and Future Prospects

Only a little over a week since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad reconvene to start their championship campaign in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Squad Background and Wider Implications

How would England have fared against their opponents without him? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.

A balanced view is needed, though. It is tempting to lambast England for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. But, this result completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. The year ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

The manager appears that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

This is an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it became apparent that certain players were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that affected the team in the past.

Depth charts sound like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of England's substitutes. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.