Ojomoh Delivers Sparkling Highlight for England to Signify Arrival on Big Stage.
This marks a interesting aspect of England's November clean sweep that no new players made their first cap during the recent campaign, something not seen in a quarter of a century. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against the Argentine side while securing his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a future star.
Star Display in Tight Win
Ojomoh was the key player in what was the team's most challenging outing of the autumn. He finished off the first try before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's third try was equally impressive, capping off a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.
Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that every manager desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.
Quick Ascent and Upcoming Opportunities
Only a little over a week since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his centre partnership for the long term. However, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that the coach may have to think again. He was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to wait until the final match of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a further appearance when England regroup to start their championship campaign in the new year.
- Versatile Skillset: Can play number ten and midfield.
- Key Contributions: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
- Timely Impact: Delivered when teammates were unavailable.
Squad Background and Wider Implications
Where might the team have fared against their opponents without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they rode their luck and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a significant victory over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.
Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to lambast the side for their failure to inject much urgency into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. However, this outcome completes a clean sweep of November matches for the initial occasion since recent years. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a defeat. The team is midway in the World Cup cycle and the situation look considerably rosier 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 knows the vast majority of the squad he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many current members of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.
That represents an advantage because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, preventing the difficult start that affected the squad in the past.
Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of the past, but managers rely on them and the coach can be happy with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the quality of the substitutes. While the coach plans the route to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can forgive the lack of quality of the recent display.