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It is a curious feature of England's autumn perfect record that there were no debutants earned their international debut during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against the Argentine side while earning his second cap felt like the arrival of a future star.

Standout Performance in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's most challenging performance of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before creating the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was just as impressive, concluding a excellent first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.

Quick Rise and Future Prospects

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players paved the way for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a third cap when the squad reconvene to start their Six Nations campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when others were injured.

Team Background and Broader Significance

How would the team have fared against Argentina without him? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick should 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 game they were controlling. But, this outcome completes a perfect record of November matches for the first time since 2016. The year ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. The team is halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look much more positive for Borthwick than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

The manager appears that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he knows the core group of the squad he will bring to Australia. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the torrid start that affected the squad in the past.

Depth charts sound like they are for seafarers 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 heartbreaking narrow loss. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of the substitutes. As the coach plots a course to the championship, he has positive momentum after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.