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It is a interesting feature of England's autumn perfect record that no new players made their international debut during the series of matches, something not seen in 25 years. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh display against Argentina while earning his second appearance felt like the arrival of a future star.

Standout Performance in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging performance of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the other two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was just as impressive, concluding a excellent first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has featured at fly-half and at both centre positions for his club this season.

Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects

Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the future. But, the best compliment that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick might need to think again. He was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to teammates paved the way for Ojomoh to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when England regroup to start their Six Nations campaign in the new year.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play fly-half and midfield.
• Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were injured.

Squad Background and Wider Implications

How would England have been against Argentina without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and maybe it is not surprising that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps the coach should have made more changes.

A balanced view is needed, however. One might be inclined to criticize England for their inability to inject much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. But, this outcome marks a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the first time since 2016. The year ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. We are halfway through the World Cup cycle and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did previously.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

Borthwick gives the impression that, with time remaining from the World Cup, he understands the core group of the team he will bring to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are very few existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

That represents an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who found it difficult when it was clear that certain players were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the team in the past.

Player rankings seem like they belong to sailors of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, luck, and the quality of the substitutes. While Borthwick plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.