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This marks a interesting feature of the English team's autumn clean sweep that no new players made their first cap throughout the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against Argentina while earning his second appearance felt like the breakthrough of a major talent.

Star Performance in Tight Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's least convincing outing of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before creating the other two. His assist for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for England's third try was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

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

Rapid Rise and Future Prospects

It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. But, the best compliment that can be given to the young star is that the coach may have to reconsider. He was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when the squad reconvene to begin their championship quest in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and centre.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when teammates were injured.

Squad Context and Wider Implications

How would England have been against their opponents without him? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is not surprising that he was their best player. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over New Zealand. Maybe the coach should have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast England for their inability to bring much urgency into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. However, this outcome marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. The year ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for the coach than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Future Planning

Borthwick appears that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the team he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many current members of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

That represents an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that certain players were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the difficult start that affected the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but coaches swear by them and Borthwick can be happy with his. On another day, 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 the bench. As the coach plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can overlook the paucity of the recent display.