Ojomoh Provides Sparkling Highlight for England to Signify Emergence on Big Stage.
It is a interesting aspect of the English team's November clean sweep that there were no debutants earned their international debut during the recent campaign, something not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's showing against Argentina while securing his second cap felt like the breakthrough of a future star.
Star Display in Hard-Fought Win
Ojomoh was the key player in what was England's most challenging outing of the autumn. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. His assist for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful cross-field kick was the highlight play of the first half. Likewise, his quick offload to the center for the team's third try was equally impressive, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the 25-year-old.
He has the kind of versatile skillset that every manager desire from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at multiple midfield roles for Bath this campaign.
Rapid Ascent and Upcoming Prospects
Only eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had finally unearthed his midfield duo for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick might need to think again. He was initially selected to an national team four years ago, but had to bide his time until the final match of the overseas trip to make his debut. Injuries to teammates paved the way for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a further appearance when England regroup to begin their championship quest in the new year.
- Versatile Skillset: Excels at fly-half and midfield.
- Key Contributions: Scored one try and assisted two.
- Important Performance: Delivered when teammates were injured.
Squad Context and Wider Implications
Where might England have fared against Argentina without Ojomoh? Undoubtedly they had some fortune 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 New Zealand. Maybe the coach should have made more changes.
Some perspective is required, however. It is tempting to criticize England for their failure to bring much intensity into this contest, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. However, this outcome marks a clean sweep of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since 2016. 2025 ends with eleven consecutive victories after beginning with a loss. The team is halfway through the four-year tournament plan and the situation look much more positive for Borthwick than they did previously.
Squad Depth and Long-Term Strategy
The manager gives the impression that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the vast majority of the team he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are very few existing players of the roster who are not on track for the 2027 tournament.
That represents an advantage because it was a problem for his predecessor, who struggled when it was clear that veterans were not going to play in his plans. He seems to have grasped the nettle earlier, avoiding the difficult start that affected the squad in the previous cycle.
Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of the past, but managers rely on them and Borthwick can be happy with his. On another day, the team might be nursing their wounds after a heartbreaking late defeat. The fact they avoided that is largely due to the young star, fortune, and the quality of England's substitutes. As the coach plans the route to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after an unbeaten run, and therefore we can overlook the paucity of this performance.