Max Ojomoh Delivers Champagne Highlight for English Side to Signify Emergence on Big Stage.
It is a curious aspect of England's November clean sweep that there were no debutants made their first cap throughout the series of matches, something not seen in a quarter of a century. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while securing his second appearance felt like the arrival of a future star.
Standout Display in Hard-Fought Win
He proved to be the star turn in what was England's least convincing performance of the November series. He scored the first try before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the opening period. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for the team's third try was equally eye-catching, capping off a excellent first outing at Twickenham for the 25-year-old.
He has the sort of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their midfield player. His abilities include running, kicking, and passing, and he has appeared at fly-half and at multiple midfield roles for his club this season.
Quick Ascent and Future Opportunities
Only a little over a week since Steve Borthwick could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the future. But, the highest praise that can be given to Ojomoh is that the coach may have 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. Fitness issues to teammates paved the way for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in contention for a third cap when the squad reconvene to start their championship quest in the coming months.
- Multiple Abilities: Can play number ten and midfield.
- Crucial Input: Scored one try and set up two more.
- Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were unavailable.
Team Background and Wider Significance
Where might the team have fared against Argentina without him? Certainly they rode their luck and maybe it is no coincidence that he was their best player. England showed an inevitable drop-off in energy following a significant victory over New Zealand. Maybe Borthwick should have made more changes.
Some perspective is needed, though. It is tempting to criticize England for their inability to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were controlling. However, this result completes a perfect record of November matches for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after starting with a loss. The team is halfway through the four-year tournament plan and things look considerably rosier for Borthwick than they did at this stage.
Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy
Borthwick gives the impression that, two years out from the global tournament, he understands the core group of the squad he will bring to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the odd bolter. Yet there are not many existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the 2027 tournament.
This is an benefit because it posed an issue for his preceding coach, who struggled when it was clear that certain players were not going to feature in his strategy. He seems to have grasped the nettle sooner, preventing the difficult beginning that affected the squad in the previous cycle.
Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but managers rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. Under different circumstances, the team might be dealing with a loss after a heartbreaking narrow loss. The fact they avoided that owes plenty to Ojomoh, fortune, and the strength of England's bench. While Borthwick plots a course to the Six Nations, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.