Ojomoh Delivers Sparkling Moment for England to Signify Arrival on Big Stage.

This marks a curious feature of England's autumn perfect record that no new players earned their international debut during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against the Argentine side while securing his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Star Display in Hard-Fought Victory

Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's most challenging outing of the autumn. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a exquisite long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at both centre positions for Bath this season.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Prospects

Only a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to think again. Ojomoh was initially selected to an national team previously, but had to wait until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. 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 Six Nations campaign in the new year.

  • Multiple Abilities: Can play fly-half and centre.
  • Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and set up two more.
  • Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Squad Background and Wider Implications

How would the team have fared against their opponents without him? Certainly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team showed an natural decline in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have made more changes.

Some perspective is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for nearly losing a fixture they were dominating. But, this result marks a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 ends with 11 straight wins after beginning 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.

Squad Depth and Future Planning

Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to Australia. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. But there are not many current members of the squad who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.

That represents an benefit because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have taken action sooner, preventing the torrid start that plagued the squad in the past.

Depth charts sound like they belong to seafarers of the past, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of the bench. While the coach plans the route 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.

Michael Fowler
Michael Fowler

A passionate storyteller and writing coach with over a decade of experience in fiction and creative non-fiction.