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It is a interesting feature of the English team's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their first cap during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while earning his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Standout Performance in Tight Victory

He proved to be the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the autumn. He scored the opening touchdown before creating the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's third try was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the kind of triple threat that all coaches would want from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at both centre positions for his club this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects

It is just a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. However, the highest praise that can be paid to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to teammates 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 Six Nations quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at number ten and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Team Background and Wider Significance

How would the team have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, however. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their inability to inject much intensity into this match, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this result marks a clean sweep of November matches for the first time since recent years. The year ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and things look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the core group of the team he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many existing players of the squad who are not on track for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the squad in the past.

Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, England might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of England's bench. As the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.