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This marks a curious feature of England's autumn clean sweep that no new players made their first cap during the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Star Display in Tight Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's most challenging performance of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his quick offload to Henry Slade for England's final score was just as eye-catching, capping off a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at both centre positions for Bath this campaign.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities

Only eight days since the head coach could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick may have to think again. He was first called up to an England squad four years ago, but had to bide his time until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when England reconvene to start their Six Nations quest in the coming months.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and centre.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Team Background and Wider Implications

How would the team have fared against their opponents without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England experienced an natural decline in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is needed, though. It is tempting to criticize England for their inability to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. But, this result completes a perfect record of November matches for the first time since 2016. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. We are halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the squad he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, 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, preventing the difficult start that plagued the team in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they are for seafarers of the past, but managers rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, England might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of England's substitutes. While the coach plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of this performance.