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It is a interesting feature of England's autumn clean sweep that no new players earned their first cap during the recent campaign, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while earning his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win

Ojomoh was the star turn in what was England's most challenging performance of the autumn. He finished off the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a exquisite cross-field kick was the champagne moment of the first half. Likewise, his popped pass to the center for the team's third try was just as eye-catching, concluding a excellent debut performance at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.

He has the sort of versatile skillset that all coaches would want from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at fly-half and at both centre positions for his club this campaign.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Opportunities

It is just eight days since the head coach might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be given to the young star is that Borthwick might need to reconsider. Ojomoh was first called up to an national team previously, but had to bide his time until the last game of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Injuries to other players paved the way for him to begin here, and he surely will be in consideration for a third cap when England reconvene to begin their Six Nations campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and centre.
• Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
• Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.

Team Context and Wider Implications

How would the team have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England showed an inevitable drop-off in intensity following a major win over the All Blacks. Perhaps Borthwick ought to have freshened things up.

A balanced view is required, however. One might be inclined to lambast the side for their inability to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a fixture they were controlling. But, this result marks a perfect record of November matches for the first time since recent years. The year ends with 11 straight wins 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 global tournament, he understands the core group of the team he will take to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many existing players of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his preceding coach, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to feature in his plans. He seems to have taken action sooner, avoiding the torrid beginning that affected the team in the past.

Player rankings sound like they belong to sailors of the past, but managers rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, England might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. That they were not is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of England's substitutes. As the coach plots a course to the Six Nations, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the paucity of this performance.