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It is a interesting feature of England's November clean sweep that no new players earned their first cap during the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second appearance seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was the team's least convincing performance of the November series. He scored the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine debut performance at the home stadium for the young player.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of versatile skillset that every manager would want from their inside-centre. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this season.

Rapid Rise and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. However, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that the coach may have to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to start their championship quest in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Excels at number ten and centre.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Squad Context and Wider Implications

Where might the team have fared against their opponents without him? Certainly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England experienced an natural decline in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Perhaps the coach should have made more changes.

Some perspective is needed, however. One might be inclined to criticize England for their inability to inject much intensity into this contest, or for nearly losing a fixture they were controlling. But, this result completes 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 Borthwick than they did previously.

Player Pool and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the squad he will take to Australia. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are very few current members of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

This is an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the team in the past.

Depth charts seem like they are for seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of England's bench. While Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.