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It is a curious aspect of the English team's November clean sweep that no new players made their international debut during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while earning his second appearance felt like the arrival of a future star.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Victory

He proved to be the key player in what was England's least convincing performance of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's final score was just as impressive, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Prospects

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. Ojomoh 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 teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when England regroup to begin their championship quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were injured.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

Where might England have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach ought to have made more changes.

A balanced view is required, however. It is tempting to lambast England for their failure to inject much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were dominating. However, this outcome completes a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. The team is midway in the four-year tournament plan and things look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the squad he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the difficult beginning that plagued the squad in the past.

Depth charts seem like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the quality of the bench. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.