Late Call-Up Ojomoh Gets England Chance Against Pumas
Bath centre Max Ojomoh has received a surprise late call-up to start for England against Argentina this weekend, replacing the injured Fraser Dingwall in Steve Borthwick's reshuffled lineup. The 24-year-old will make his first Twickenham start in what represents England's seventh different centre partnership this year alone.
Injury Crisis Forces Borthwick's Hand
England's autumn campaign has been plagued by injuries, with Fraser Dingwall becoming the latest casualty after suffering a side strain during last weekend's victory over the All Blacks. He joins Ollie Lawrence, Jamie George, Tom Roebuck, Tommy Freeman and Ollie Chessum on the treatment table, significantly depleting Borthwick's options.
The England head coach had appeared to settle on his preferred centre combination of Dingwall and Lawrence during the 33-19 triumph against New Zealand, only to see both players ruled out through injury. Despite previously discussing Ben Earl's potential as a centre option, Borthwick has opted to hand Ojomoh the number 12 jersey alongside Henry Slade.
Itoje Praises Ojomoh's 'Swagger' and Rugby Heritage
Maro Itoje has enthusiastically endorsed his new teammate, highlighting both Ojomoh's confidence and impressive family background. 'He has a bit of a swagger about the way he is around the place, and with the way he plays,' said Itoje. 'He obviously comes from a rich rugby heritage family, second generation in his family to be playing for England.'
Itoje also revealed a amusing anecdote about initially being asked by Max's father, former England back-rower Steve Ojomoh, to encourage the young player to focus on his education. 'Steve basically asked me to talk to Max - this must have been four or five years ago,' Itoje recalled. 'I'd never met Max, hadn't spoken to him, and he asked me to tell him to study. I was like: 'Look, how can I tell this guy to study? I don't even know him.''
The Saracens lock noted that Ojomoh has since completed a business and administration degree over the summer, proving his father's influence ultimately prevailed.
England Chase Historic Clean Sweep Against Dangerous Pumas
England are bidding to complete their first clean sweep of four November Tests since Eddie Jones's inaugural autumn in charge back in 2016. A victory would mark their 11th consecutive win of 2025, with their only defeat this year coming against Ireland in February.
However, Argentina present a significant challenge, having already beaten both Wales and Scotland this month. The Pumas were also victorious the last time they visited Twickenham in 2022, giving England plenty to consider.
Felipe Contepomi's side features five changes from the team that defeated Scotland, with Tomás Albornoz returning at fly-half and Marcos Kremer coming back into the back-row. The matchday squad includes 10 players who currently compete in the English Premiership, including Itoje's Saracens teammate Juan Martín González and Harlequins winger Rodrigo Isgró.
'This is a team that has hurt us before, this is a team that has beaten us,' warned Itoje. 'We play a lot against a lot of their guys in France, so we're well aware of the threats that they bring.'
For Max Ojomoh, Saturday's match represents not just a personal milestone but an opportunity to stake his claim in an England shirt during a period of significant transition and injury disruption.
