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It is a curious feature of the English team's November clean sweep that no new players made their first cap throughout the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while securing his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was the team's least convincing outing of the autumn. He scored the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite long pass was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's final score was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Future Opportunities

It is just 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. He was first called up to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the last game of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to other players created the opportunity for him to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when England regroup to begin their championship quest in the new year.

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

Squad Context and Broader Implications

Where might the team have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. The team showed an natural decline in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.

Some perspective is needed, though. It is tempting to criticize the side for their failure to inject much urgency into this contest, or for nearly losing a fixture they were dominating. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since recent years. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. The team is halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

The manager appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the squad he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many current members of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

That represents an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the difficult start that affected the team in the past.

Depth charts seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the strength of the substitutes. While Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.