Ojomoh Delivers Champagne Highlight for English Side to Mark Emergence on Big Stage.
It is a interesting feature of England's November perfect record that there were no debutants earned their first cap during the series of matches, a scenario not seen in a quarter of a century. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while earning his second cap seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.
Star Performance in Hard-Fought Victory
He proved to be the key player in what was England's least convincing outing of the November series. He scored the first try before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his popped pass to Henry Slade for the team's third try was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.
Ojomoh possesses the kind of triple threat that all coaches would want from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this campaign.
Quick Rise and Future Opportunities
It is just a little over a week since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. But, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach might need to think again. He was first called up to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the last game of the overseas trip to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for Ojomoh to start here, and he surely will be in consideration for a further appearance when England regroup to begin their Six Nations quest in the coming months.
- Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and midfield.
- Crucial Input: Scored one try and assisted two.
- Important Performance: Stepped up when teammates were unavailable.
Squad Background and Broader Implications
Where might the team have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. England experienced an inevitable drop-off in energy following a major win over New Zealand. Perhaps Borthwick should have freshened things up.
Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to criticize England for their inability to inject much intensity into this contest, or for nearly losing a game they were controlling. But, this result marks a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a defeat. The team is halfway through 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 vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the odd bolter. 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 was clear that veterans were not going to play in his strategy. He seems to have taken action earlier, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.
Depth charts sound like they are for sailors of yesteryear, but managers swear by them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to the young star, luck, and the strength of England's bench. While the coach plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and therefore we can forgive the lack of quality of this performance.