Peter Crouch returns to the pitch six years after retiring as a striker as he tries his hand at American football in London

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Peter Crouch returned to the pitch on Sunday six years after retiring as a striker as he tried his hand at American football.

US teams Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings faced off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in London, to a packed crowd.

Former England footballer Peter, 44, warmed up the crowd before attempting attempted a 25-yard field goal as he had a go at a different sport.

However while his effort achieved an impressive distance, Peter's shot went wide in a disappointment for the former striker - who played for England at two World Cups.

For the game, Peter wore a customised NFL jersey sponsored by Paddy Power, as well well as a white t-shirt and blue jeans.

The clash between the two US American football teams is the 40th NFL regular season game to take place in London.

London will play host to two more NFL games over the coming weeks with New York Jets taking on Denver Broncos next Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before Jacksonville Jaguars face Los Angeles Rams on October 19 at Wembley.

Peter's NFL attempt comes weeks after he hilariously led out non-league side Farnham Town for their game as a forfeit for coming bottom of his fantasy league last season.

Throughout his playing career the towering striker has walked out onto some of the most hallowed grounds in all of world football.

However last month, Peter made his return to the pitch in decidedly different surroundings at the 2500 capacity Memorial Ground in Surrey.

Donning the club's home colours, the former Liverpool and Spurs striker was led out as a mascot for the club's Southern League Premier Division South clash with fellow promotion-chasers Sholing.

His arrival on the pitch was cheered on by his That Peter Crouch podcast co-hosts Chris Stark and former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell.

Steve shared a number of clips from the game on his social media, including a hilarious video of Peter showing off his mascot's goodybag.

Peter proudly detailed his loot, including a bag of Haribos, some Maryland cookies and a set of Farnham Town badges.

Led onto pitch by Farnham's Jack Dean, 6ft 7in Peter cut an awkward figure as he completely eclipsed the defender from view when the two teams lined up before kick off.

The fun didn't end when the action got underway, however.

Peter also played a central role in the half-time festivities as he tested his mettle as a goalkeeper during a penalty shootout.

In front of a capacity crowd, he also had a chance to win every fan a free drink by hitting the crossbar but narrowly missed from long range.

He also posed for photos with beaming fans who were shocked at the sight of the former Premier League great.

The antics clearly didn't take Paul Johnson's side off their game though, as the newly-promoted side secured a 2-2 draw to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.

Peter's commitment to the forfeit and willingness to put himself in the hilarious situation earned plaudits among fans on social media.

Fans wrote: 'Can't believe you went through with it, but fair play to you,';

'Cracking afternoon of football ! What a fantastic mascot you were - LOVED you walking out with your player and standing in front of them ! Had me and my son howling in the crowd,';

'Great day today Peter. You definitely put a few hundred on the gate, and you gave the kids a day to remember.'

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