Max Ojomoh Provides Sparkling Moment for England to Signify Arrival on Grand Platform.
It is a curious feature of England's autumn perfect record that no new players made their international debut throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while earning his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.
Standout Display in Hard-Fought Victory
He proved to be the star turn in what was England's least convincing outing of the November series. He scored the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his quick offload to the center for England's final score was equally impressive, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.
He has the sort of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.
Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects
Only 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 given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have to think again. Ojomoh was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when the squad reconvene to start their Six Nations campaign in the new year.
- Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and midfield.
- Key Contributions: Scored one try and set up two more.
- Timely Impact: Delivered when teammates were injured.
Squad Background and Broader Implications
Where might England have been against their opponents without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.
A balanced view is needed, though. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their inability to inject much urgency into this contest, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after beginning with a defeat. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did previously.
Squad Depth and Future Planning
The manager gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many current members of the roster who are not on track for the upcoming event.
That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his predecessor, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, preventing the torrid start that affected the squad in the past.
Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of the bench. While Borthwick plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.