He may have built his career as a cultured centre-back during his playing career with Liverpool, but Alan Hansen has taken on a new role helping defend England fans against tropical diseases, calling on those travelling to Brazil for the World Cup to ensure they get the relevant vaccinations.

In a video released today by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Hansen, who will be travelling to Brazil as a pundit for the BBC, warns fans: "It's not just the players who need to be prepared. Fans travelling from any part of the United Kingdom need to be so as well."

Thousands of England supporters are expected to travel to Brazil for the World Cup next month. Although vaccination requirements vary across the country, a yellow fever vaccination (and certificate) is required for travellers to Manaus, where England will play their first game against Italy on June 14. Ideally, this should be administered 10 days before travelling to risk areas.

Other areas which have a risk of yellow fever include the cities, and surrounding areas, of Belo Horizonte (where England play Costa Rica on 24 June), Brasília and Cuiabá, while Cuiabá and Manaus are both high-risk for malaria.

Tourists in some areas of Brazil, particularly those to the far south of the country and the cities of Rio and São Paulo, may not require any vaccinations or medication, however fans are advised to check with their doctor or at a travel clinic before travel.