Rooney turned down more lucrative offers from China and America because he knew it would end his international career for good.
The 31-year-old has gone back to the Toffees on a free transfer, 13 years after leaving them to join Manchester United in a £30m deal.
Starsport understands Rooney has told England boss Gareth Southgate he is determined to get back in the team and wants to be part of his plans for Russia 2018.
Rooney has been left out of Southgate’s last two squads and faces a desperate battle to revive his England chances.
But he is on a mission to add to his 119 appearances, overtaking Peter Shilton as the Three Lions’ most capped star and making next summer’s finals.
A source said: “Wayne loves playing for England and nothing has changed. He still thinks he should be in the team and wants to go to Russia.
“He realises he needs to earn the right to be back in the manager’s plans, but thinks he can do this at Everton. It was a big part of his decision to go back.”
Rooney, who is England’s record scorer with 53 goals, has taken a significant drop in wages to secure an emotional return to his boyhood club.
Rooney played 559 times for United, scoring 253 goals and helped them win five league titles and one Champions League crown.
He wanted United and the Toffees to strike a deal in time for him to avoid jetting to America with United for their pre-season tour.
He said: “It’s a great feeling to be back. I cannot wait to meet the lads, get on the training pitch and then get on the pitch to play.
“I’m not just coming back because it’s the team I support and the team I grew up playing for - I’m coming back because I feel the club can move forward and be successful.
“I want to be part of it. There will be pressure on me to perform, but I’m ready to go. I believe I can help move this club forward and be more successful on the pitch.”
Rooney was wanted by new MLS franchise Los Angeles FC as well an unnamed outfit in the Chinese Super League.
But he revealed once Everton Ronald Koeman made it clear he wanted him then there was only one destination.
He added: “As I spoke to Ronald and saw it in his eyes that he wanted me to be part of his team, it was a no-brainer for me and the only place I was going to go.
“There were other options there, but once I knew that Everton wanted me to come back then it was the only option for me.”
