England capped a transformative 2025 with an 11th straight Test victory on November 15 at Twickenham, edging Argentina 27-23 in a gritty Autumn Nations Series finale that showcased their ability to “dog out” wins amid flaws. Max Ojomoh’s player-of-the-match display—fast feet, deft kicking, soft hands—powered three tries, but a 14-penalty concession and second-half wobble (13 unanswered points) highlighted vulnerabilities. This hard-fought success, extending a streak matching Clive Woodward’s 2000-01 run, positions England as South Africa’s closest challengers heading into the 2026 Six Nations. With squad depth deepening and mentality hardening, Steve Borthwick’s side is evolving from 2024’s collapses into a force built for the long haul.
Key Match Highlights
- Scoreline: England 27-23 Argentina (HT 14-5)
- England Tries: Freeman (12′), Ashman (22′), Ojomoh (35′)
- Argentina Tries: Montoya (53′), Carreras (70′)
- Penalties/Conversions: Smith 3/3 pens, 3/3 cons; Carreras 3/4
- Man of the Match: Max Ojomoh—try, assist, 9/10 rating
- Attendance: 81,000 (Twickenham sell-out)
- Streak: 11 wins—first 4-Test autumn sweep since 2016
England’s late-game grit turned potential upset into statement—resilience over perfection.
Ojomoh’s Star Turn: Seizing the Spotlight
Ojomoh’s whirlwind week: Wednesday homeward bound; Friday starting XV (Dingwall side strain). “Jarred—went home, returned. Found out Friday—couldn’t better.”
Performance: Try (35′, Freeman offload); assist Ashman; kicking width. Borthwick: “Polished—fast feet confounded; soft hands orchestrated.”
Ojomoh: “Blackett: ‘Grind till opportunity—take it.’ Counts as taking it.”
Partnerships: Freeman inside to 13—experiment alive. Atkinson (summer vs Argentina) solid; Daly/Slade experience anchors.
Ojomoh: “No position-hating—Fraser message, Northmore/Beard texts. Empowered.”
Depth: Coles (endurance break late); Pepper (4 starts, understated).
The Winning Habit: From 2024 Pain to 2025 Grit
2024 autumn: 3 straight losses (NZ, Aus, SA)—bounced out final quarters.
2025: 11 wins—first 4-Test sweep since 2016 (Aus, Fiji, Arg, etc.).
Borthwick: “Not peak—attack aimless, 14 pens generous. Second-half control loss worrying.”
But margins favor: “Small breaks against us last year—now for us.”
Townsend—no, Borthwick rejects “mentality issue”: “Big one-offs evidence.”
Global: SA summit; England challengers.
Vaughan: “Good team—thrilling. But cohesive units? Close.”
Sustaining Momentum: Midfield Mesh and Squad Evolution
Midfield puzzle: Wing-to-centre Freeman; Atkinson vs Argentina summer.
Ojomoh: “Last 5 mins sums us—happy to dog out wins.”
2026 Six Nations: France away finale—taxing test.
Borthwick: “Deepening—healthy competition drives.”
Global WC 2027: Australia’s cusp.
Verdict: England’s Winning Streak – Resilience Redefined
27-23 Argentina: Flawed but fierce—11 straight signals shift from 2024 fragility.
Ojomoh’s poise, collective dog-out: New era.
Borthwick: “Adapt, progress—exciting future.”
Twickenham’s tension? Evolving into roar.
