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It is a curious aspect of England's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their first cap throughout the recent campaign, something not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while securing his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a major talent.

Standout Performance in Hard-Fought Victory

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the autumn. He scored the opening touchdown before creating the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for the team's final score was equally eye-catching, capping off a excellent first outing at Twickenham for the young player.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches desire 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.

Quick Ascent and Upcoming Prospects

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to teammates created the opportunity for him to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad reconvene to begin their championship quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Team Background and Wider Implications

Where might the team have fared against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their best player. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, though. One might be inclined to criticize the side for their failure to bring much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. But, this result marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. The year concludes with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

The manager gives the impression that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the squad he will take to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an advantage because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the torrid beginning that plagued the team in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they are for sailors of the past, but managers rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the quality of England's bench. As the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.