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It is a curious aspect of England's autumn clean sweep that no new players earned their international debut throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.

Standout Display in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's least convincing outing of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to the center for the team's final score was equally impressive, capping off a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the sort of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this campaign.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. However, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that the coach might need to think again. He was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when England regroup to start their Six Nations quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were injured.

Squad Context and Broader Significance

Where might the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is needed, however. It is tempting to lambast the side for their failure to inject much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a fixture they were dominating. However, this result marks a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since 2016. The year ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a loss. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

The manager appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the team he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many current members of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.

This is an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the team in the past.

Player rankings sound like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, 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 the bench. As the coach plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of this performance.