Research in Oxford will directly benefit from a new campaign led by top Premiership players and managers.

A special football squad, including England internationals Sol Campbell, David James, Ashley Cole and James Beattie, has joined together for Cancer Research UK's Man Alive initiative to raise money and awareness into forms of the disease that affect men.

The 19-strong team has posed for a photo, which is being sold as a Father's Day card for 99p at the charity's shops across the UK.

Oxford is Cancer Research's largest research centre outside London, and hosts a number of studies into prostate cancer.

The Man Alive initiative is hoping to encourage men to confront testicular, prostate and bowel cancer.

Everton defender, Man Alive Captain and testicular cancer survivor Alan Stubbs said: "Five or 10 years ago going to the doctor to be examined was a non-starter for most men because it wasn't seen as a masculine thing to do.

"Nowadays, thanks to campaigns like this, the message is being driven home to men that the earlier they go for treatment, the more chance they have of beating it."

His comments were echoed by Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson, who has been struck by nose and bowel cancer.

He said: "To see so many world-class players putting aside their domestic rivalries to come together and acknowledge that their lives have been touched by cancer proves that no-one is immune from this dreadful disease."