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This marks a curious feature of the English team's autumn clean sweep that no new players earned their first cap during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while earning his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a major talent.

Star Performance in Tight Victory

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's least convincing outing of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the remaining two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for the team's third try was just as eye-catching, capping off a excellent first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat 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 his club this season.

Rapid Rise and Future Opportunities

Only eight days since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that Borthwick might need to think again. He was initially selected to an England squad four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to teammates paved the way for him to begin here, and he surely will be in contention for a further appearance when England reconvene to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play fly-half and centre.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Timely Impact: Delivered when others were unavailable.

Squad Background and Wider Significance

Where might England have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and maybe it is not surprising that he was their best player. England experienced an natural decline in intensity following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.

A balanced view is required, though. One might be inclined to criticize England for their inability to inject much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. But, this result completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. We are midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did previously.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he knows the vast majority of the team he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. But there are very few current members of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

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

Player rankings seem like they belong to sailors of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of the bench. As Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of the recent display.