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This marks a curious feature of the English team's November clean sweep that no new players made their international debut throughout the recent campaign, something not seen in a quarter of a century. However, the performance of Max Ojomoh showing against the Argentine side while earning his second appearance seemed to be the breakthrough of a future star.

Star Performance in Tight Win

He proved to be the star turn in what was England's least convincing performance of the November series. He finished off the opening touchdown before setting up the remaining two. The setup for his teammate via a delightful long pass was the champagne moment of the opening period. Similarly, his popped pass to the center for England's third try was equally eye-catching, concluding a fine first outing at the home stadium for the young player.

He has the kind of triple threat that all coaches would want from their midfield player. He can run, kick and pass, and he has featured at number ten and at both centre positions for his club this campaign.

Quick Rise and Upcoming Prospects

Only a little over a week since the head coach could have believed he had discovered his centre partnership for the long term. But, the highest praise that can be paid to the young star is that Borthwick may have to think again. He was initially selected to an England squad previously, but had to bide his time until the final match of the summer tour to make his debut. Injuries to teammates created the opportunity for him to start here, and he surely will be in contention for a third cap when the squad regroup to begin their championship campaign in the new year.

• Multiple Abilities: Excels at fly-half and centre.
• Key Contributions: Scored one try and assisted two.
• Timely Impact: Stepped up when others were unavailable.

Team Background and Wider Significance

How would England have been against Argentina without Ojomoh? Certainly they had some fortune and perhaps it is no coincidence that he was their standout performer. The team experienced an natural decline 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 nearly losing a game they were dominating. But, this result completes a perfect record of four autumn fixtures for the first time since recent years. The year ends with 11 straight wins after starting with a defeat. 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

Borthwick appears that, with time remaining from the global tournament, he knows the vast majority of the squad he will bring to the host nation. Of course, there will be the surprise inclusion. Yet there are not many existing players of the squad who are not in contention for the upcoming event.

That represents an advantage because it was a problem 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, avoiding the torrid start that plagued the squad in the previous cycle.

Depth charts seem like they belong to seafarers of yesteryear, but coaches rely on them and the coach can be satisfied with his. On another day, the team might be dealing with a loss after a gut-wrenching late defeat. That they were not owes plenty to the young star, fortune, and the strength of the substitutes. While Borthwick plans the route to the championship, he has positive momentum after 11 wins in a row, and as a result we can overlook the lack of quality of the recent display.