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Jun 16, 2026 Major2
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Paul Merson Urges England World Cup Squad to Wear Sunscreen After Melanoma Battle

Former footballer Paul Merson, 58, has urged England's World Cup squad to wear sunscreen after revealing his own melanoma diagnosis in 2012. Appearing on Good Morning Britain, Merson said he ignored a bleeding mole and attributes his cancer to neglecting sun protection during his playing days. He now advocates for regular sunscreen use, joined by England defender Dan Burn in raising awareness about skin cancer prevention.





Quick Facts
Who
Paul Merson
What
urged England World Cup squad to wear sunscreen
When
2012
Where
Good Morning Britain studio (ITV)
- urged England World Cup squad to wear sunscreen
- discussed melanoma diagnosis on Good Morning Britain
- delayed seeking medical attention for a bleeding mole
- had mole removed and received 50 stitches
- underwent twice-yearly scans for five years
Former footballer and Strictly Come Dancing star Paul Merson has issued a stark warning to England's World Cup squad, urging them to wear sunscreen to prevent skin cancer, as he reflects on his own melanoma diagnosis. Appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, June 16, the 58-year-old told hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls that his skin cancer, diagnosed in 2012, was preventable and that he neglected sun protection throughout his playing career. Merson, who played for Arsenal and later became a football pundit, admitted he often got sunburnt without applying sun cream, a mistake he now regrets.
Merson described how a mole on his back worsened over time, eventually bleeding through his shirt while on holiday with his children. Despite the warning signs, he delayed seeking medical help, attributing his hesitation to fear and what he called a 'man thing.' After finally visiting his GP and having the mole removed, Merson received a diagnosis of melanoma and required 50 stitches. He then underwent twice-yearly scans for five years, an experience he described as 'horrible,' always fearing the cancer might return.
During the interview, Merson praised England defender Dan Burn, who is also raising awareness about sun protection. Burn, whose Instagram bio reads 'Dan Won't Burn,' emphasized the importance of covering often-neglected areas like the back of the neck. 'As a defender, I know how important it is to cover every angle, but I'll admit the back of my neck isn't always part of my game plan,' Burn said. 'It's an easy area to miss, but one that's vulnerable to sun damage.'
Merson's message comes as the England squad prepares to compete in the World Cup in the United States, where players will be exposed to prolonged sun during matches and training. He stressed that melanoma is largely preventable through the regular use of sunscreen, urging the team to 'slap on the sun cream' before taking the field. His personal story serves as a cautionary tale for athletes and the public alike to prioritize skin protection and not ignore potential health warning signs.
Why This Matters
This story is actionable for readers because it highlights a simple, life-saving habit—sunscreen use—that athletes and the general public can adopt immediately. With the England squad heading to the US for the World Cup, players will face prolonged sun exposure; Merson’s personal account underscores that melanoma is preventable and ignoring warning signs can have severe consequences. Readers are encouraged to check their skin regularly, seek prompt medical advice for any changes, and prioritize sun protection in daily life.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2012
WirePaul Merson diagnosed with melanoma after mole removal and 50 stitches.
Jun 16, 2026
WireMerson appears on Good Morning Britain to urge England World Cup squad to wear sunscreen.