The BBC pundit and former Chelsea and Newcastle United midfield player is moving to Canada to study religion in preparation for a career in the church.

After finishing work at the tournament in Austria and Switzerland next month, the 40-year-old will emigrate with his wife and two children to Calgary in July to begin a three-year Masters course in Divinity at Ambrose Seminary, a leading theological college.

Peacock will become a pastor, vicar or minister, depending on which denomination he chooses to follow.