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It is a interesting feature of England's November perfect record that no new players earned their international debut throughout the series of matches, a scenario not seen in 25 years. Yet, Max Ojomoh's display against Argentina while securing his second cap seemed to be the arrival of a future star.

Standout Display in Tight Win

He proved to be the key player in what was England's least convincing outing of the autumn. He scored the first try before setting up the other two. The setup for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso via a delightful long pass was the highlight play of the first half. Similarly, his popped pass to Henry Slade for England's final score was equally eye-catching, capping off a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the kind of versatile skillset that all coaches desire from their inside-centre. He can run, kick and pass, and he has appeared at fly-half and at both centre positions for his club this campaign.

Rapid Ascent and Future Prospects

It is just eight days since Steve Borthwick might have felt he had discovered his midfield duo for the long term. However, the best compliment that can be given to Ojomoh is that Borthwick may have to reconsider. Ojomoh was initially selected to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the summer tour to earn his first cap. Fitness issues to other players created the opportunity for him to begin here, and he undoubtedly will be in consideration for a third cap when England regroup to begin their Six Nations campaign in the coming months.

• Versatile Skillset: Can play fly-half and midfield.
• Crucial Input: Notched a touchdown and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were injured.

Team Context and Wider Significance

Where might England have fared against their opponents without him? Certainly they rode their luck 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.

A balanced view is required, though. It is tempting to lambast England for their inability to bring much intensity into this match, or for almost throwing away a game they were dominating. But, this result completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the initial occasion since recent years. The year concludes with 11 straight wins after beginning with a loss. We are midway in the four-year tournament plan and the situation look considerably rosier for the coach than they did at this stage.

Player Pool and Long-Term Strategy

The manager appears that, two years out from the World Cup, he understands the core group of the squad he will take to the host nation. Naturally, there will be the surprise inclusion. But there are not many current members of the roster who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

That represents an advantage because it posed an issue for his predecessor, who struggled when it became apparent that veterans were not going to play in his plans. Borthwick seems to have taken action earlier, preventing the torrid start that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.

Player rankings seem like they are for sailors of the past, but coaches swear by them and the coach can be happy with his. On another day, England might be nursing their wounds after a gut-wrenching narrow loss. The fact they avoided that is largely due to Ojomoh, luck, and the strength of the bench. While Borthwick plots a course to the championship, he has wind in England's sails after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can forgive the paucity of this performance.